‘Amazing period of his career’: BBC pundit wowed by ‘astounding growth’ of defender Tottenham sold

Follow us on Google Discover

Garth Crooks says the growth of former Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kyle Walker under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has been ‘astounding’.

Six years ago, Kyle Walker swapped Champions League regulars Tottenham Hotspur for the fast-growing and soon-to-be dominant, Manchester City.

That call from the England right-back proved to be a masterstroke because he has won the lot in the colours of Manchester City, including the Treble last season.

At the age of 33, he doesn’t seem to be stopping, with Crooks adding that he is having ‘the most amazing period of his career’, as he told BBC Sport. 

It would be easy for many in Kyle Walker’s position to put their feet up, be happy with their medals and take it easy from here on in.

But he seems to be as hungry as ever, starting every Premier League game this season, including Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Kyle Walker is going from strength to strength 

“This player is having the most amazing period of his career,” said Crook.

“He’s clearly looking after himself because he’s started every league game for City this season. I never thought he would become one of the finest full-backs in the country – he’s now one of the best full-backs in Europe.

“His growth under Pep Guardiola has been astounding. The manager is now turning the defender into a leader.

“His performance was as solid as a rock against a Manchester United side who were totally outplayed. This is not just a very different player under Guardiola but a very different man.”

Kyle Walker is an example to all

At Walker’s age, you could happily pack it in and accept the five Premier League titles you have won, four League Cups, two FA Cups and one Champions League.

But he just wants to keep going and really write his name into the legendary books.

As of this moment, two players are regarded as the best right-backs of the Premier League era – Walker himself and Manchester United great, Gary Neville.

Some would now start putting Walker ahead of the Sky pundit, but he won 12 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, so in that regard, the Man City star still has a long way to go.