Sport
Letting Kyle Walker leave would be a big mistake for Man City
Kyle Walker has been an important member of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium six years ago. The 33-year-old is a five-times Premier League winner and is now a Champions League winner after helping City to an historic Treble last season. Walker, however, might not be at City for much longer.
Recent reports state Walker could be allowed to leave the club this summer with Bayern Munich believed to be interested in signing the full back. Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned as potential suitors for Walker six years after he left the North London club to move to Manchester City.
At 33, Walker is entering the twilight of his career. What’s more, Guardiola has evolved Manchester City’s defence beyond a need for out-and-out full backs in the mould of Walker. Indeed, City utilised a back three to great effect in the second half of last season with John Stones pushed into central midfield.
Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are good enough with and without the ball to perform two roles in one with the pair expected to cover the central and wide areas. This has been key to Manchester City evolving as a team over the last 12 months and Walker has been left behind somewhat by this tactical shift.
“He [Walker] cannot do it,” Guardiola argued not long after Manchester City switched to a back three last season, highlighting Walker’s limitations as a player in that defensive shape. “To play inside you have to make some educated movements. He has other characteristics. He will always have pace. He will be the fastest in this room at 60 years old.”
Walker ultimately convinced Guardiola of his suitability, starting a number of important matches for Manchester City down the stretch. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old is now widely seen as a depth option at the Etihad Stadium. There are other defenders ahead of him in the pecking order for the Treble winners.
Nonetheless, City would be foolish to let Walker leave this summer. He remains an exceptionally useful play for Guardiola to have in his squad, as demonstrated by the way Walker was deployed to combat the threat of Vinicius Junior in last season’s Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid.
City’s back three could have given Vinicius space to exploit on the break, but Walker’s speed meant the Brazilian winger never made much of an impact on the tie. Vinicius still managed to find the back of the net in the first leg, but the damage surely would have been even greater had Walker not been on the pitch.
Guardiola also used Walker against Arsenal. The Manchester City manager recognised the threat posed by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but Walker’s speed once again limited their influence. Nobody else in City’s squad can do what Walker can. This is what makes him so valuable, even at this late stage of his career.
This summer could see an evolution of Manchester City’s squad after winning three trophies last season. Ilkay Gundogan could be on his way out of the club after the expiration of his contract with Barcelona interested in the German. Riyad Mahrez could join a Saudi Pro League club with Bernardo Silva another whose future is to be settled.
Manchester City have done an excellent job of refreshing their squad over the years – see how Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all moved on and replaced – but there isn’t much logic to suggest this summer is the right time to push Walker out the door. City are better for him being at the club.
