Kyle Walker has named former Arsenal and Manchester City star Samir Nasri as one his toughest opponents, admitting he “used to hate” the Frenchman.
Walker is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs in Premier League history, having won five league titles at Manchester City as well as the Champions League, two FA Cups and four League Cups.
The 33-year-old’s pace is one of his strongest attributes and in an appearance on former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five podcast, Walker admitted that it is “clever players” like Nasri who he tends to struggle against.
“I used to hate Nasri, I used to hate him,” the England international said. “He just put himself in pockets, [if you] put someone against me 1v1 I’m alright but when clever players sit in pockets…
“He used to have Gael Clichy overlapping, so if I go in there [to mark Nasri] I’d know Gael’s on the overlap.” Ferdinand quickly agreed with Walker’s comments, adding: “Physically you think ‘I can handle anyone’, it’s the question of ‘do I stay or go?’
“I absolutely understand what you’re saying, people that weren’t quick were my problem. Denis Bergkamp, Raul, Gianfranco Zola… people that used to go in those little pockets and look at you and say ‘come on then’.”
Walker was speaking ahead of City’s blockbuster clash against title rivals Liverpool on Sunday and he was quizzed about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent comments comparing the two teams’ success.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Looking back on this era, although they’ve won more titles than us and have probably been more successful, our trophies will mean more to us and our fanbase because of the situations at both clubs, financially,” Alexander-Arnold told Four Four Two.
“How both clubs have built their teams and the manner in which we’ve done it, probably means more to our fans.” His comments have prompted both Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias to hit back, but Walker has given a much more measured response.
“I’m not even getting involved in that,” he insisted. “It’s been floating around the changing room today.”
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This story first appeared on Radio Today