Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker has emerged as one of the finest right-backs of his generation since his departure from Spurs in the summer of 2017.
After joining Manchester City for a fee of £45 million, Walker has achieved remarkable success under the management of Pep Guardiola.
At Walker has been instrumental in the club’s domestic dominance, securing six Premier League titles and two FA Cups. His contributions were also pivotal in helping City clinch their first Champions League title.
Former Manchester United player Gary Neville, who was also a fine right-back during his playing days, praised Walker’s significant development since his move from Tottenham.
In a discussion on The Overlap, Neville highlighted the vast improvement in Walker’s game awareness and overall performance under Guardiola’s guidance.
Reflecting on Walker’s time at Spurs, Neville acknowledged that while Walker was already a good player, his progress since joining Man City has been exceptional.
Neville pointed out the 34-year-old’s enhanced ability to read the game and make intelligent decisions on the field, refined under Guardiola’s coaching.
He said:
“There was a time at Tottenham where I used to watch him and I used to think, he’s improved, he was good then and he’s gone to another level.
It’s not the pace, at Tottenham it was that scanning, that was the point, but he does that now doesn’t he?”
During his seven-year stint with Tottenham, Walker made a staggering 229 appearances while contributing four goals and 18 assists.
He was already considered one of the best in the league, being named in the PFA Team of the Year twice while at Spurs.
Walker’s tenure at Tottenham laid the foundation for his future success.
Now, under Guardiola, Walker has reached new heights, solidifying his status as one of the best right-backs in modern football.