Manchester City new boy Kyle Walker has revealed he has been studying West Ham United man after big money move from Tottenham Hotspur.
Pep Guardiola completed the signing of England international Walker for a record £50 million, a move which has divided opinion among fans.
The watershed deal is a record for a defender with some suggesting that aspect is the weakest part of the Sheffield born fullback’s game.
Kyle Walker
But after making the big move from City’s title rivals Spurs, Walker has revealed to the Manchester Evening News that he has been studying new Hammers signing Pablo Zabaleta for inspiration having replaced the Blues legend at the Etihad.
“I watched Zabaleta countless times on YouTube and clips, because I think his timing of runs into the box is fantastic,” Walker told the MEN.
“It’s something I can get into my game with my pace. If I can time my runs as well I don’t think anyone can stop me.
“I’m all about assists, I’m not really greedy.
“I don’t want to score, as long as I set people up and then they get the goals, that’s all I’m bothered about.”
It is a big compliment to Zabaleta but also highlights what a shrewd piece of business the East Londoners have done in luring the popular Argentine to the London Stadium on a free transfer.
Former Manchester City hero Pablo Zabaleta
Walker may have more pace than Zabaleta but as the England star suggests, he can stand to learn a lot from his predecessor.
Timing and defending are key to playing the fullback position and Walker could hone those crucial areas of his game by taking a leaf out of Zabaleta’s book if he is to make a success of his time under Guardiola.
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