Kyle Walker is enjoying a really good moment for Manchester City – and former star has highlighted a quality he has the no one ever really talks about.
The England international is in line to start the Champions League final on Saturday against Inter, having become a key player in the starting XI over the past couple of months.
Walker has really picked up his game of late, and has been a staple pick for Pep Guardiola.
And he deserves a lot of credit, because he started the year out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, and there was even some speculation that he could leave the club this summer.
Pep said publicly that Walker was unable to play the role that John Stones is now.
But seemingly, Walker used that as fuel. And he has thrived playing as a right sided centre-back.
There will surely be no chance of leaving this summer having shown just what a good player he is.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp recently called him ‘a machine’.
And Danny Murphy said that he is in the conversation for being the best full-back England has ever produced.
Walker came in for more praise ahead of the FA Cup final on Saturday, with former City player Paul Lake choosing to focus on an attribute Walker offers that is actually seriously underrated – his passing. He also reckons the 32-year-old is the very best when it comes to recovery.
He said in the official matchday programme: “People talk a lot about Kyle’s pace and strength. It’s incredible. What isn’t spoken about is his passing range and his choice of passing, which is truly exceptional. I’d also say he’s the best in the world at recovery.”
Kyle Walker’s passing has improved immensely at Manchester City in recent times
Everyone speaks about the physicality of Walker. And that’s fair enough, because his pace and power is extremely impressive and always has been.
But it’s good to see Lake bringing attention Walker’s passing ability.
While he may not be Kevin De Bruyne, his range is definitely very good. It is certainly miles better than when he first joined the club.
You can clearly see the impact working with Pep has had on him.
He wasn’t particularly technical at Tottenham Hotspur. But he’s brought that side of his game on leaps and bounds.
