Pochettino makes prediction about Kyle Walker – and offers honest thoughts on his Spurs exit

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Mauricio Pochettino believes the best of Kyle Walker has already been seen at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has told The Mirror that he thinks we have already seen the best of new Manchester City signing Kyle Walker.

Spurs haven’t made any new signings this summer, but they did oversee a huge departure, with right back Walker leaving for Manchester City in a big-money transfer last month.

Mauricio Pochettino throws the ball to Kyle Walker

The England international, 27, joined Spurs from Sheffield United back in the summer of 2009, and after loan spells with Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa, he became a key player at White Hart Lane.

Often seen as a pacey right back with inconsistent defensive play, Walker really thrived and developed after Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as manager in 2014.

Now England’s first choice right back, Walker has earned his big move to Manchester City, where he figures to be Pep Guardiola’s first choice as well, despite the fact that Brazilian right back Danilo has arrived too.

Walker took on Tottenham for the first time since his exit on Sunday, helping City claim a 3-0 pre-season victory over his former club in an impressive display – and Pochettino has now opened up on Walker’s exit.

Pochettino has told The Mirror that he does think that Walker is one of the best full backs in England, but suggested that the best of Walker has already been seen at Tottenham, hinting that he doesn’t think there is much more improving he can do at the Etihad Stadium.

Kyle Walker speaks as Mauricio Pochettino looks on during a Tottenham Hotspur press conference

Pochettino added a prediction by claiming that Walker will undoubtedly succeed at City despite the change of pressure stemming from his price tag – and also added that he and Walker never had a problem with each other, despite murmurings of discontent towards the end of last season.

“He’s one of the best full-backs in England and Manchester City have paid a lot of money – £50million – just like they have signed different players to try to get success in the future,” said Pochettino. “But, for me, I think we have seen the best of Kyle with Tottenham.

“We helped him improve and learn. When you pay this type of amount for a player, it’s because he’s top and because you are at your best. Then it’s normal that he will succeed. It’s a big pressure because when you pay for some players, the pressure to perform as well in every game becomes greater. It will be different, the pressure, for him. But there is no doubt that he is a quality player, a talented player. And there is no doubt that he will succeed with Manchester City. We never had a problem. Never,” he added.

Do you think Walker will be a success at Manchester City?