Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has named Manchester City captain Kyle Walker and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate as the two toughest opponents he has faced in the Premier League.
Asked by the Men In Blazers podcast who are the most difficult defenders to go one-on-one against, Martinelli replied:
“It has to be [Kyle] Walker and [Ibrahima]Konate from Liverpool. They are both tough to beat.”
Walker’s pace and power have made him the bane of countless wingers and it’s clear that he has the full respect of Martinelli too.
Could Walker be replaced next summer?
Despite being up there with the best right-backs in Premier League history, the defender is nearing the end of his career at the highest level.
Walker will be 35 in May and, although he will still have a year left on his contract, there are already reports suggesting that the Cityzens are weighing up potential replacements.
The club are said to have spoken with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong earlier this year and some believe the club could revive their interest in the former City academy graduate in a future transfer window.
City need their best defence if they are to retain the Premier League title
A lot has been made of Rodri’s absence, but one of the biggest reasons why Pep Guardiola’s team have dropped so many points in recent weeks is because they haven’t managed to field the same back four consistently.
Walker, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake all have been on the sidelines at different points this season, with Josko Gvardiol the only player to feature regularly.
If City are to finish top of the table once again this season, the fitness of these players will be key.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
