Manchester City have a significant number of very talented players in their squad.
Having won numerous domestic and European trophies in recent years, Pep Guardiola has built one of the best squads in Europe.
In fact, City had more players (14) selected to represent their countries in the 2024 European Championship than any other side in the Premier League.
Now though, a pundit who knows what it takes to be a top-level player has made a rather interesting observation about one of City’s longest-serving figures.
- Man City squad numbers 2024/25: Famous shirt could be free for Pep Guardiola’s next big summer signing
Paul Merson claims Kyle Walker is getting faster
While assessing what the England squad could look like for the 2026 World Cup in a recent episode of Football’s Greatest, Paul Merson had this to say about Kyle Walker, in particular.
He said: “How old is Walker? I’m a big fan of Walker, what is he, 33? He’s going to be 34 in the next World Cup.
“I know he’s getting quicker and quicker, but another one might come in and go, you know what, I’ll bring Ben White back or ring him up and say, you come back.
“I’d be shocked if he was at the next World Cup. I wouldn’t have been shocked if Gareth was the manager. I would be shocked now.”
Walker’s pace has been a key to his success at City
Signed for £50m from Tottenham Hotspur back in the 2017 summer transfer window, Walker has gone on to make 301 appearances for City.
With a reputation as being one of the fastest players in the world, the 34-year-old clocked the highest speed in the Premier League for the 2022/23 season, registering a top speed of 37.31 km/h (via Goal).
Described by Mohammed Kudus as being a nightmare to play against, Walker’s pace has certainly been a big benefit for City.
Despite Merson’s comment about how Walker looks like he’s getting quicker, the fact that he also said he doesn’t think the full-back will be in the England squad for the next World Cup suggests that his international days could be numbered.
