Jamie Redknapp has branded Kyle Walker a ‘machine’, but says he would be shocked if the star featured in the final game against Brentford for Manchester City.
The Sky Sports pundit was speaking after last night’s 1-1 draw with Brighton.
City went to the Amex Stadium and took on Roberto De Zerbi’s free-flowing Seagulls, and were given a really good game.
City took the lead, with Phil Foden – who impressed – scoring for the visitors.
But Brighton hit back, with Paraguayan starlet Julio Enciso scoring a potential Goal of the Season contender.
Brighton ended up having 20 shots in the game.
Before last night’s contest, no team in the Premier League had managed to register more than 13 shots in a single game against City this season (via Charlie Haffenden).
It is the second most Guardiola’s side have ever conceded in the league.
And it wasn’t like City put out a completely second string team last night.
Big hitters like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan all played.
And there was another start for Kyle Walker, who has now played 90 minutes in seven of City’s last eight league games.
During that stretch of games, Walker has also played 90 minutes against Sheffield United in the FA Cup, and 90 minutes in both legs against Real Madrid.
He’s been featuring heavily, and Redknapp said last night he doesn’t expect him to play in City’s final game against Brentford. He was quite taken aback by the level of involvement the 32-year-old has had of late.
He said: “Kyle Walker, I think he played 90 minutes at the weekend as well. I would be surprised if he plays at Brentford. Although, he’s just a machine the guy. Phenomenal.”
Kyle Walker is in peak physical condition, but Jamie Redknapp may be right
Walker may well be rested for the final game against Brentford. Or at least named on the bench to start with, or he’ll start but be taken off in the second-half.
It’s hard to see him playing 90 minutes again, with the two major finals looming.
Walker has been featuring heavily in recent weeks for City.
And he has been one of the best players for Guardiola and deserves to have had the minutes he’s had.
But caution must now be exercised. He’s a key player and the last thing City need if him picking up a knock against Brentford.
