When Richard King calmly slotted home a late penalty to seal Jamaica’s 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup on Tuesday, it was a celebration of a dramatic result as much as it was a statement of intent from a player knocking loudly on Europe’s door.
The 23-year-old defender has long been considered one of the best in Jamaica, and now Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren believes it is time for clubs in England— and across Europe—to recognize that he could be an asset to their setup.
"I’ve been banging the drum for Richard King for a while now. I say that boy can step up to whatever level he's put in at the moment. He needs to get off the island, and he needs to play in a more competitive environment,” McClaren said after the match at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium.
McClaren, who has coached at the highest levels of English football and led the England national team, sees in King a late bloomer with the tools to succeed in the Football League — and possibly beyond.
While King has been quietly building his résumé in Jamaica’s Wray and Nephew Premier League with Cavalier, where he just lifted his third title, McClaren believes the defender is more than ready to test himself in Europe.
"We often overlook the late developers. Not every great defender comes through an academy. Some grow into their game with time, and Richard is one of them. I’ve told every scout in England that they need to take Richard King. He might not be the finished article yet, but he will be because that boy's got everything. So if he jumps up and plays in the UK, where there is more intensity, maybe in the First Division championship, in time, he would adapt to that," McClaren reasoned.
King’s stock has been steadily rising over the past 12 months. His consistent selection under McClaren, standout performances against regional powerhouses like the United States, and continued development at the international level have, in fact, drawn the attention of scouts from across Europe. However, the big breakthrough is yet to come.
Still, King, whose journey has been marked by quiet determination and relentless improvement, is expected to be a mainstay in Jamaica’s World Cup Qualifying campaign, as well as in the Concacaf Gold Cup next month. In fact, his late-game heroics on Tuesday were just the latest chapter in a season that began last August and has yet to slow down.
"He was excellent against the US when he came on, and that is why I've included him. Yes, he needs time, but if I was at a football club, I would take him because I think he can be a real asset. He can defend; he's quick when he wants to be, and he can play to the level that is required of him. So I just hope that someone takes a chance on him," McClaren shared.