Speaking to England’s official website, Kyle Walker has discussed how he wished he could deliver the ball like England teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and James Ward-Prowse.
Walker’s game did a complete 180 under Guardiola
During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, one doubts whether the rapid right-back would have said the same, considering he was one of the best crossers in the Premier League at the time.
Especially under Mauricio Pochettino’s reign, the former Spurs defender was renowned for marauding forward and constantly fizzing in the ball on the money.
However, the attack-minded full-back was demanded to play in a much more withdrawn role at the Etihad Stadium by Pep Guardiola.
The four-time Premier League champion was tasked with operating in a more inverted role, while using his searing pace and defensive awareness to halt counter-attacks.
As a result, it is widely acknowledged that the 32-year old is the best defensive right-back in world football.
A major reason behind said reputation is due to the fact that Walker’s defensive responsibilities became a crux of what defined his importance in a sky blue shirt.
Kyle Walker pinpoints the trait he could take from an England teammate’s game
The Three Lions defender responded to the question by saying, “Trent [Alexander-Arnold], [Kieran] Trippier or [James] Ward-Prowse’s delivery of a football.”
“They are unique players in that they can put it on a six-pence. 9 times out of 10, it leads to a goal”, he said, as quoted by England’s official website.
The same could be said about Walker, if he was tasked with bombing up the pitch and putting the ball in the box.
One can agree if that Kyle Walker’s crossing also became one of the best in the world, he would become the ultimate right-back.
