Gary Lineker has claimed that it is remarkable how fast one Manchester City player is at his age.
At the elite level, players such as those at City strive to ensure their physical condition remains at its highest possible level for years.
As a result, a player like Kevin De Bruyne is still a top athlete, despite suffering various injury problems throughout his career. The strength and conditioning that world-class players undergo behind the scenes is a significant part of why they remain elite for years.
Gary Lineker makes fresh Kyle Walker claim
Kyle Walker is a player who seems like he can play at the highest level for years, despite turning 34 in May this year.
The £175,000-a-week man is showing no signs of slowing down — starting 41 games in all competitions for Manchester City last season.
There are not many 34-year-old players even playing regular football in the Premier League, let alone across all competitions like the Englishman.
Gary Lineker has marvelled at how fast Walker remains, despite his age.
Lineker said on BBC Match of the Day: Top 10: “He’s amazing, isn’t he, Kyle Walker because each year goes by, what is he now, Kyle Walker? 32, probably [Kyle Walker is 34]?”
“Amazing but even in a race still. In the cup final, you saw him a couple of times with [Marcus] Rashford, didn’t you, oh my God but Rashford’s quick! It was close but Walker’s still [rapid].”
Kyle Walker is hugely important for England at Euro 2024
During England’s group-stage games against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia, it would be understandable if Gareth Southgate opted for more attacking right-backs than the City skipper such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier.
But if the Three Lions qualify for the knockout rounds, they will meet the major footballing nations sooner rather than later.
Against top wingers blessed with tremendous pace and skill like France’s Kylian Mbappe and Portugal’s Rafael Leao, Walker will be expected to win footraces, as Gary Lineker mentioned he still can.
It is these encounters where Walker has become a specialist over the years — using his speed, experience and defensive know-how to bail both England and Manchester City out.
As a result, the veteran’s seemingly unending pace will remain a huge asset for Gareth Southgate’s side in Germany.