Manchester City’s Premier League Title Push Sees Questions Raised Over Kyle Walker’s Role
Manchester City are locked in another intense Premier League title race. Currently sitting second in the table, Pep Guardiola’s side trail Liverpool by five points after 11 games, with seven wins, two draws, and two losses. Despite scoring 22 goals, defensive issues persist, as the Blues have conceded 13 and managed only two clean sheets so far this season.
As City prepare to resume their campaign following the international break, one of their key players, Kyle Walker, has come under scrutiny. Former Manchester United defender and pundit Gary Neville has expressed concerns about Walker’s performances this season.
Gary Neville Questions Walker’s Form
Speaking on Stick To Football, Neville analyzed how players adapt as they age and shifted his focus to the 34-year-old Walker.
He remarked:
“It’s more of a problem for a right-back. You can look at Kyle in the last few weeks and think Kyle looks a bit different compared to what he has in previous seasons.
“In terms of he has been lightning quick and all of a sudden you think there is balls being played inside him, like the Bournemouth game.
“Kyle’s saviour could be what he has done in England recently. If he can play right of a back three or find a club [where he can do that]. He can use the ball. He’s not Trent Alexander-Arnold or Reece James but he can feed.”
Walker’s Challenging Season
Walker, who joined City for £50m in 2017, has made nine Premier League appearances this season but started only five matches. His form has drawn criticism, particularly after City’s 2-1 loss to Bournemouth earlier this month.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney pointed out Walker’s struggles against Antoine Semenyo, describing how the Bournemouth forward “dominated” and “bodied” the City defender. Semenyo not only scored but also led the league in successful take-ons that weekend, highlighting Walker’s difficulties in that match.
Walker himself acknowledged being beaten for pace earlier this season by Fulham’s Adama Traore during City’s 3-2 win. Reflecting on the encounter, Walker admitted:
“I just base myself on that I’m quick. I thought that I had him. It’s not an excuse, he beat me fair and square, but I’m going to remember it.”
He added:
“My arm should have come across but, you know, when I start running backwards [towards goal], nine times out of 10 people just stop. But he obviously backs himself so much, just like I do. And next minute he’s actually in front of me.”
A New Role for Walker?
Neville suggested that transitioning to a more central defensive role, as part of a back three, could extend Walker’s career and mask some of the vulnerabilities that are beginning to show. Whether Guardiola agrees with this assessment remains to be seen.
As Manchester City fight to reclaim the top spot in the league, how Walker is deployed—and how he responds to this criticism—could be pivotal in their pursuit of another Premier League crown.
