Across Manchester City’s past nine games, a host of the world champions players have been well below their best. In the case of some, it appears that age and past battles have finally caught up to them. One of those is Manchester City’s captain Kyle Walker.
It has been sad to see the England international struggle this season. But if Pep Guardiola’s side are going to leave with Turin with three points against Juventus tonight they need their captain to step up. It’s as simple as that as Manchester City face a crucial UEFA Champions League fixture tonight.
Pep Guardiola’s side will enter tonight’s match without a host of defenders. Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake are all of tonight’s match. With those three out it does appear that City’s defence will be the same that played in City’s 2-all draw with Crystal Palace last Saturday. If that is the case it is now time for Manchester City’s captain to do what is required. He simply has to.
Walker has to rediscover his form. He will have a vital role to play tonight against Juventus. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see [Thiago Motta’s side](https://esteemedkompany.com/2024/12/10/juventus-could-provide-a-tricky-test-for-manchester-city/) target the England international tonight. Most of City’s recent opponents have of late. Unfortunately, Kyle Walker has struggled this season. He looks to have lost a yard of pace, and that is a crucial element of his game. But he has the experience to overcome that. He needs to call upon his experience to get back to his best or become a better contributor to Pep Guardiola’s side.
So far this season it has seemed that Kyle Walker is on the [decline](https://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2024/dec/11/kyle-walker-could-slowly-be-reaching-end-of-the-road-at-manchester-city). Too often, he has been seen waving his arms and arguing with his teammates. That has to end and Walker just has to do a job for his team. If he can do that against Juventus tonight it could help the world champions pick up a crucial victory.