J. Richards

In this scout report on Jake Richards, the 17-year-old central midfield prodigy from Exeter City is turning heads in League One with his mature style of play. Richards is a maestro in ball retention, showcasing poise and composure beyond his years, which allows him to maintain possession under pressure—a key asset for any midfield lynchpin. His creativity shines through in his consistent chance creation, reflecting a footballing brain that’s always a few steps ahead. However, Richards still has room to grow in defensive contributions, particularly in 1v1 and penalty area defending, areas that could be crucial for his all-around midfield game. While his progressive carrying is impressive, propelling him forward with a flair that suggests the potential for box-to-box dynamism, his passing game could use refinement to reach the upper echelons of his position. With such promising player stats at a tender age, Richards is certainly one to watch for the future.