Kyle Walker shows no signs of slowing down in Man City’s pursuit of treble… at 32, he remains the Premier League’s speed king – with times to rival USAIN BOLT in training – and c It’s full steam ahead with Vinicius Jnr waiting in the Champions League
- Walker has reached a top speed of 23.18mph in the Premier League this term
- Legendary sprinter Bolt averaged a similar time during a 100m race
- The City defender is still at his best ahead of his latest battle with Vinicius Jnr
It started with a sprint to deprive Abdoulaye Doucoure of possession at Everton on Sunday and turned into a question on Tuesday about how 32-year-old Kyle Walker manages to maintain the ability to move so quickly . Where it ended was with the revelation that the Manchester City defender can run at top speed that would command respect from the fastest human being of all.
“One of the sports science guys said I did 37.5 mph the other day in speed,” Walker revealed.
During a 100m race, world record holder Usain Bolt would have exactly this average speed. In old money, it’s about 23 mph. Bolt, now retired, would hit 44mph towards the end of a run, but the numbers nonetheless give some insight into the pace Walker can count on when he takes on Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Officially the fastest player in Premier League history (records only started at the start of last season), Walker was clocked at 37.3km/h in the league and 35.2km /h in the Champions League.
Kyle Walker showed he remains the Premier League’s speed king against Everton on Sunday
Walker has been clocked at 23.18mph for Man City this season, which is the average time Usain Bolt (right) has produced over 100m
“I probably have to say a big thank you to my mum and dad and their genetics,” the City right-back added.
“Some players slow down as they get older, but I don’t seem to be slowing down and I hope that continues.
“I always feel good and I feel fit. I’m not that old! I kept myself in relatively good shape. I take care of myself on and off the pitch.
One of the highlights of last week’s draw in the first leg at the Bernabeu was Walker’s battle with Brazilian Vinicius Jnr. Just like the hug the two players shared at the full-time whistle.
“Well I went and hugged him because he tried to rainbow me,” smiled Walker, referring to a trick that sees a player trying to heel the ball overhead. from an opponent’s head.
“I was more like, ‘Don’t try that.’ I have for him.
“When it was a good game, a good battle, in the end you show your respect.
“Like when I played against Kylian Mbappe for England at the World Cup. You give them the respect they deserve. But if I can’t compete with these top players I shouldn’t be here. I have to make sure that I’m up against the best and that I can face the best.
Walker did not appear to be part of City manager Pep Guardiola’s plans earlier in the season but fought back to earn his place in the squad again.
“Of course it hurts,” he added.
Walker is set for another fascinating battle with Vinicius Jnr (right) on Wednesday night
The 32-year-old has found his place under Pep Guardiola (right) after being absent from the squad
“You start to doubt yourself, but you have to go back to basics to find out what you’re good at, what the manager bought you for and prove him wrong. That’s what I did .’
City are now closing in on a historic treble of trophies in a season and will clinch the first – the Premier League – if they beat Chelsea at home on Sunday.
“You just have to look over the road to Manchester United and what they have achieved over several years,” added Walker.
“When you’re compared to this team, they’ve won countless titles. We’ve done five in six years, if we can cross the line on this one.
‘The club misses each other [the Champions League] and, along with the owners and the amount of money they’ve put into this club and the investment they’ve made, we owe them that.
