Mario Melchiot was full of praise for one Manchester City player in particular.
Manchester City have several players at the ongoing European Championship who have been impressing for their national teams.
Kevin De Bruyne, for instance, who helped Belgium earn a crucial 2-0 win against Romania — with Ange Postecoglou claiming he went on to “make a statement.”
Bernardo Silva also scored his first goal in an international tournament during Portugal’s 3-0 victory against Turkey.
Amidst England’s struggles at Euro 2024, they have conceded only one goal in three games — partly due to the solidity that Kyle Walker and John Stones have brought at the back.
Mario Melchiot makes interesting Kyle Walker claim
During the Three Lions’ disappointing 0-0 draw against Slovenia, Jason Cundy claimed that the 34-year-old is the best right-back England have ever produced.
The treble-winner is proving game after game in Germany why Gareth Southgate has persisted with him as his country’s starting right-back in tournament football — despite the emergence of top players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Reece James in the position.
The six-time Premier League winner recently played a key role in Harry Kane’s opener against Denmark and provided the pre-assist for Jude Bellingham’s goal against Serbia.
On BBC Sport, Mario Melchiot was initially discussing the outstanding talent England have at their disposal.
“When it gels right, England have an incredible team. We’re not talking about missing talent. We’re talking about the right structure and making sure you make a team out of everybody. Look at the talent you have…Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane. People complain about him [Kane] not scoring goals and he scores the goal [against Denmark].”
Mario Melchiot went on to state that Walker is only improving with age.
“You have Kyle Walker who is getting older but he is getting better. You have enough talent who can produce a winning team.”
Kyle Walker should inspire up-and-coming players
The fact that Walker is even playing at the highest level for Manchester City and England, despite having began his professional career in 2008 speaks to his incredible longevity in the game.
Even a 23-year-old winger like Mohammed Kudus has recently admitted that the veteran is a “nightmare” to face.
When Walker first broke through at Tottenham, he was viewed as a talented youngster with a lot of potential.
But for the Manchester City captain to become a legend of English football was perhaps unexpected.
However, the fact that Walker is still competing at the elite level is an insight into his love for football and his remarkable work ethic.
Up-and-coming players should aspire to have the decorated defender’s longevity in the game as only with such a level of professionalism will they be able to have as many medals as he does in his trophy cabinet.
Walker’s tremendous career is a testament to his constant reinvention and fitness as a player — two fundamental characteristics young prospects have to master to remain world-class for several years like he has.