Manchester City decided to adopt a leadership group at the Etihad Stadium following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan – with Kyle Walker involved.
The England international makes up a five-man leadership group alongside Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias and Rodri instead of having a traditional captain.
Now, sources close to Manchester City have revealed how Kyle Walker acts within this leadership group…
What’s the story?
Well, the Manchester City No.2 captained the treble winners superbly in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford, helping Pep Guardiola’s side keep their shape while also delivering a brilliant individual performance up against Marcus Rashford.
Now, sources close to Manchester City have told the Daily Mail that Walker acts as a “calm and commanding” voice within the group, where he “relishes” the opportunity to put his experience to good use.
It is safe to say that the 33-year-old has taken on the responsibility admirably.
Walker has not allowed the added duty to affect his performances, with Jack Grealish even claiming that the defender is playing the best football of his career.
Manchester City were right to keep Kyle Walker
Some eyebrows were raised when Manchester City opted to hand a 33-year-old a new two-year contract.
Elite clubs rarely make such a decision, with one-year contracts preferred for those in their thirties.
However, Manchester City appear to have made the right move by handing Walker a new two-year contract.
The Sheffield-born defender is looking like a 25-year-old out on the pitch, and could even continue playing at this level beyond the age of 35 if he takes care of himself.
Whatever happens between now and Walker’s new contract expiring in June 2026, the decision to sign him from Tottenham in a £53m deal back in July 2017 has proven to be a masterful bit of recruitment.
Hopefully, the Manchester City No.2 can maintain his stunning level of performance.
