Jamie Redknapp paid tribute to a Manchester City player he feels has become truly ‘phenomenal’ since he signed for the club in 2017.
Manchester City became Premier League champions for the eighth time on Sunday, as they beat West Ham United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
City have finished two points clear of Arsenal, who defeated Everton in their last game.
Phil Foden was the star of the show against the Hammers, scoring two goals. Rodri – often so clutch in the big games – got City’s third to make sure of the win.
There was some brief concern when Mohammed Kudus scored a brilliant goal for West Ham to make it 2-1. But City dominated the contest, and there was never any real jeopardy in the end.
It has been a top effort from everyone this season after winning the Treble in 2022/23.
And after the game, Jamie Redknapp made sure to give captain Kyle Walker his flowers…
Jamie Redknapp claims Kyle Walker has become ‘phenomenal’ at Manchester City and hardly ever makes mistakes now
Kyle Walker has had his ups and downs this season, but finished the campaign strongly.
The 33-year-old faced some criticism early doors and around Christmas when City just faltered a little in the absence of Rodri.
But lately, Walker has been superb for City.
There was a point last summer when it looked as though he could potentially be leaving to join Bayern Munich. But an intervention from Pep saw the player stay put and sign a new contract.
Walker spoke to Sky Sports after yesterday’s game and after he left, Redknapp raved about the England international. He said: “I think he has improved as a defender. The danger he senses now.
“When I think back to his early days he used to be so reliant on his pace. His positioning wasn’t right. Very rarely does he make those mistakes now.
“He could play as a centre-back for England at the Euros. He’s a phenomenal player.
“What a signing he has been for Man City. He is just a Rolls-Royce. He’s hardly had any injuries, he’s played week in, week out at such a high level, he’s a phenomenal athlete and footballer.”
Walker has been a sensational signing
Eyebrows were raised when City paid £50 million to sign Kyle Walker from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017.
But that fee has proven to be a total bargain.
Walker – who Micah Richards believes has now surpassed Gary Neville as the greatest Premier League right-back – has clocked up 300 appearances now for City, and has helped himself to 15 major trophies as well as two Community Shields.
Redknapp is right. Walker has improved so much compared to when he first arrived at the club. Previously, his pace was very central to his game. These days, he is a more solid defender, and his technical quality has improved significantly, which was perhaps always a likely outcome working with Pep Guardiola.
Despite his advancing years, he remains a key player for Pep, and it’s hard to see him moving on this summer, as recent speculation has suggested.