While Shaun Wright-Phillips has said Kyle Walker is better than Gary Neville, Michael Owen believes the Manchester United legend comes out on top.
The pair were debating this topic for Premier League Productions, as the £50 million (Sky Sports) man also won over Glenn Murray in this debate.
However, Shaun Wright-Phillips decided to stick to his guns and back Kyle Walker, while Michael Owen gave Gary Neville the edge.
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Michael Owen debate Kyle Walker vs Gary Neville
The Sky Blues fan favourite has been incredible during his time at the club, establishing his presence as arguably the best defensive right-back in the world.
What makes that incredibly impressive is the fact that at Tottenham, the five-time Premier League winner was the most attacking player in his position and adapted his game to Pep Guardiola’s demands, whether that be in a back three in possession or in an inverted role.
Initially, Shaun Wright-Phillips instantly replied saying, “Walker” while Michael Owen made his case for Gary Neville being the superior player.
“He’s underrated, Gary Neville. Never injured, fit as a fee, great attitude. Him and [David] Beckham down that right-hand side were brilliant for so long. He had years and years, and years at the top.”
“Kyle Walker’s been a great player all his life. But Gary Neville was top-class.”
Kyle Walker has hit higher heights in his game
While Michael Owen is right to give Gary Neville his credit, Shaun Wright-Phillips is right in backing Kyle Walker.
First and foremost, it is often forgotten how devastating the latter was under Mauricio Pochettino’s reign going forward, as he was even then the best right-back in the Premier League.
The way Walker has adapted to Guardiola’s demands whilst locking down players such as Neymar, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. time and again showcases the heights he has reached defensively.
In both the primary aspects of a full-back’s game, the Sheffield-born defender has simply reached higher heights in his game, which is why he should be classed as the winner in this debate.
