Micah Richards lauded James McAtee after his glorious winner for Sheffield United in their 1-0 victory against Brentford on Saturday.
During the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, the well-known pundit praised the Manchester City youngster for how well he has performed for the Blades on loan this season.
After the 21-year-old stood out against Thomas Frank’s side, Chris Wilder also hailed his performance as “outstanding.”
Micah Richards hails ‘lovely’ Manchester City loanee James McAtee
Garth Crooks also named the highly-rated midfielder in his BBC Premier League Team of the Week after his heroics against Brentford.
Micah Richards only had nice things to say about James McAtee, his stunner and his time at Sheffield United so far.
“Where’s he from? Where’s he from?”, Micah Richards said jokingly on The Rest Is Football podcast.
“The way he moves, the guile on him, you can tell he’s been brought up the correct way, can’t we? Always looking to get on the ball, lovely, both-footed but his strike was exceptional.”
Micah Richards also praised James McAtee for handling the step-up to Premier League football with aplomb, saying, “And it was good to see him because he went there on loan last season, didn’t he? I believe so. [He] Played really well, especially towards the backend of the season and it’s always difficult when you come to the Premier League, can you replicate it?”
“You’re always thinking, ‘Do you need to go back on loan or somewhere in the Championship to get games?’ But he’s come there, done very well and he took his goal excellently well, so long may it continue!”
James McAtee looks like the real deal
As Micah Richards said, what instantly stands out about James McAtee is how he looks like an archetypal Manchester City midfielder; technically gifted, graceful and composed.
While some might not be aware of how talented the Stockport-born creator is, many have been singing his praises for years.
In the Championship last season, the Englishman proved that he is ready to play senior-level football.
But to do so in the Premier League is a different kettle of fish and James McAtee has managed to showcase his minerals.
While several young players from some of the world’s best academies end up flattering to deceive, McAtee seems to only get better and better in a Sheffield United shirt.
As Chris Wilder and Co. aim to survive in the Premier League, the ‘Salford Silva’ will play a huge role in their ultimate goal for the season.
