According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Pep Guardiola has conceded that Kyle Walker is an indispensable player and expressed his desire to retain him at the club despite the ongoing interest from Bayern Munich to acquire his services.
Bayern have displayed clear intent in securing the 33-year-old’s signature this summer. Still, Man City are keen on keeping him and has presented him with an offer to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Kyle Walker’s Remarkable Performance In European Competitions Last Season
Throughout the campaign at the Etihad Stadium, Kyle Walker exhibited an exceptional level of play, contributing significantly to Manchester City’s triumphant treble achievement earlier in the summer. The England international made 39 appearances for the Mancunian giants across various competitions, providing one assist.
Of particular note was the 33-year-old right-back’s standout performances in European competitions, where he showcased his defensive prowess. In the UEFA Champions League, he demonstrated his ability to win back possession with an average of 1.8 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, and 1.6 clearances per game. Moreover, Walker’s proficiency in distributing the ball from the back was evident, as indicated by an impressive pass completion rate of 83.3% in European football, according to statistics from Whoscored.
Is Pep Guardiola’s Decision To Retain Him A Wise Move For Manchester City?
Kyle Walker’s prowess in tackling is undeniable, as he effectively reclaims possession for his team within his own half. His speed also allows him to make crucial recovery runs at the back, and his passing accuracy further adds to his overall effectiveness on the field.
Beyond his defensive abilities, the English talent displays a willingness to clear the ball when needed. He possesses the skill to create promising opportunities for his teammates in the opponent’s half. Despite primarily operating as a right-back, Walker’s versatility enables him to fulfil roles as a right-sided wide player or even a central defender if instructed by his manager.
Considering his skill set and significant contributions, Walker remains a valued member of Pep Guardiola’s match-day squad, underscoring his continued importance within the team. Even at 33 years old, Walker’s impact can still be felt while rotating in the squad, and he can also play a pivotal role in developing younger players in the same position as an excellent understudy. Hence, Guardiola has made a wise decision to secure Walker’s services at the Etihad for two more years.
