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Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has questioned whether the Citizens should have parted ways with captain Kyle Walker 12 months ago.
The 34-year-old, who has recently been linked with a return to Sheffield United, admitted that he came "close" to joining Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 shortly before opting to put pen to paper on a contract extension, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2026.
Walker, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football during the prime years of his career, has played a significant role in Man City's success since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, making 314 appearances in all competitions and winning 17 trophies.
However, the six-time Premier League winner - now in the latter years of his career - has looked increasingly vulnerable this season, during a time when Man City have collectively struggled, and his error-strewn performances has come under much scrutiny from Citizens supporters.
Once known for his blistering pace, Walker appears to have lost his speed this term and by his own admission was beaten 'fair and square' in a foot race with Fulham's Adama Traore in October. Spurs' Timo Werner and Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma are among a number of other wingers who have got the better of Man City's No.2 this season.
Walker's defensive decision-making has also been criticised; the experienced right-back was to blame for playing Daniel Munoz onside before he scored a fourth-minute opener in City's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend, while his non-existent effort to prevent Maxence Lacroix from heading the Eagles in front at a corner was dire to say the least.
Manchester City's Kyle Walker on November 5, 2024© Imago
'Walker seems to be culpable for many mistakes'
"Kyle Walker is not in a very good place right now," McInerney told Sports Mole senior reporter Oliver Thomas. "I think we can all see it really.
"If there wasn't two years of proof that he was regressing a little bit, I think I would give him the benefit of the doubt, but he's 34 years old now and you can just see his reaction speeds have dipped a fair bit, the way he reacts to situations, and he's not really reading things particularly well."
"He's on his way down there's no two ways about it," McInerney added. "I think there were signs of it last season and I think in hindsight City probably should have looked to have address that.
"Unfortunately, he seems to be culpable for many mistakes. He was the one playing everyone on side for the first goal (against Palace), he didn't leap or challenge for the second goal for the corner. These aren't necessarily physical things, these are more to do with decision-making.
"I wonder maybe if the captain's armband is quite a lot of a burden for him. Is he overthinking things? Is he struggling to cope with the change as he gets older? It could be many things or it could be entirely down to form."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Kyle Walker on October 5, 2024© Imago
'The truth is staring City in the face, they have to invest very soon in a right-back'
While McInerney has acknowledged that Walker "is going to be a Man City legend regardless" of his decline in form, he believes that Guardiola must look to recruit a new right-back in the near future.
"It's a shame he's having to battle through this decline, and maybe he should have left a year ago before signing his contract, so he'd have gone out on a glorious high," McInerney added.
"I think the truth is staring us in the face, City have to invest very soon in a right back and I would not be against it in January. I think that's just as pressing for me as [signing] a defensive midfielder. One that could play centre-back as well would be great, but I'm more drawn to a classic full-back.
"Unfortunately, I think Walker's days at City are very numbered and I'd be amazed if he's here past the summer... I think Man City have made a mistake in trusting Kyle Walker for one more year. He was a great player, but his time's up I think."
With Rico Lewis often drifting into midfield and Manuel Akanji struggling with injuries, McInerney has also shared his thoughts on whether either Jahmai Simpson-Pusey or Matheus Nunes could be called upon to play at right-back if Guardiola considers dropping Walker for a few games.
Press play on the video at the top of this article to hear the full discussion.
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