Gareth Southgate has said that Kyle Walker is “really growing” as a leader for England.
In his press conference after the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw against North Macedonia, Southgate gave his two cents on Walker after he captained his nation for the first time in his career.
The 33-year-old’s importance for his country cannot be overstated, with Darren Bent going as far as to say that he is England’s most essential player.
Gareth Southgate says Kyle Walker is “really growing” as a leader for England
While Jason Cundy claimed that the £175,000-a-week (Sport Rac) man is his nation’s best-ever right-back and has been “magnificent” throughout his illustrious career.
Interestingly, the treble-winner has also been Manchester City’s skipper in 14 out of the 15 games he has started in all competitions this season.
Now, Gareth Southgate has praised Kyle Walker for coming into his own as a leader for England.
“Kyle, again, nice moment for him to captain his country”, he said in his latest press conference.
Southgate added, “He’s really growing in terms of his leadership and I know he’s thriving on that with his club, and that’ll be a special moment in his career as well.”
The increased sense of responsibility seems to have a positive effect on Kyle Walker
Gareth Southgate is bang on about how Kyle Walker is “thriving” as a leader, especially for Manchester City as he is having a top-drawer season so far.
Apart from his recent performance against Chelsea, in which he was admittedly underwhelming, the Englishman has been excellent in a variety of roles.
Be it as a right-winger in possession in certain games or in a more withdrawn position, Walker has shown once again why he is one of, if not the best right-back in the world.
Last season, a rough patch in terms of his form, injury woes and rotation meant the decorated defender did not have his finest campaign from an individual perspective.
But since donning the armband for City, Kyle Walker is looking like he is returning to his vintage self.
