Gary Neville believes Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker could be set to move into central defence.
The right-back has struggled to convince this season during a difficult start for the Premier League champions as a whole, with Pep Guardiola slipping to four consecutive defeats for the first time in his managerial career following the loss at Brighton earlier this month.
Walker was the only England player named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament following their run to the Euro 2024 final earlier this summer but club form has proven much more of a struggle. Injuries also haven’t helped the 34-year-old, limiting Walker to only seven starts across all competitions.
Undoubtedly one of the leading full-backs in European football over the past few years, the emergence of Rico Lewis has given Guardiola another option there. For England, the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tino Livramento and perhaps even Reece James offer competition.
Neville in fact believes a move into central defence could help the veteran extend his career. Walker famously played there as part of a back three during the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 for England, while he returned to that role for the 5-0 Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland earlier this month.
“You can look at Kyle Walker in the last few weeks and think, Kyle looks a bit different than he has done in previous seasons. He’s been lightning quick and all of a sudden you think, hang on a minute, there are balls being played inside him.,” said Neville.
“Kyle’s saviour could be what he’s done with England in the last few weeks, playing centre back. He could play the right side of a three, as an example.”
Gary Neville was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet
