Football

Kyle Walker shares who would win in a race between him and Erling Haaland after hitting 35.2kmph

Kyle Walker shares who would win in a race between him and Erling Haaland after hitting 35.2kmph

Kyle Walker says he would “back himself” in a race between himself and Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland.

The right-back was discussing the matter after UEFA stats revealed that both players had hit a speed of 35.2kmph in the Champions League this season.

Despite the equality in that regard, Kyle Walker still believes he would come out on top against the young Norwegian.

Kyle Walker backs himself v Haaland

Haaland’s pace has terrified defenders this season, both in the Premier League and in the Champions League.

The striker then, of course, has the strength, power and ability to send the ball into the back of the net more often than not after bursting away from his defender.

He boasts an incredible 52 goals from 48 matches in all competitions this season, with the 22-year-old breaking several records in his debut campaign in England. 

Frighteningly, and worryingly for Real Madrid, he is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

At the other end of the pitch, Walker has had to deal with some of the quickest attackers in world football, with the defender forced into showcasing his speed when carrying out his defensive duties.

“The manager doesn’t like to do things over big areas so both of us take time to get up to speed,” said Walker, as quoted by the official Man City website.

“Erling’s very quick, he’s shown that with some of the goals he’s scored. Other strikers don’t make those chances, sometimes he does it just with strength or speed but I’d still have to back myself!”

Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker reveals how he has kept his pace

Kyle Walker hasn’t always been the preferred option at right-back for Pep Guardiola this season, with the defender one of many players to constantly be rotated due to the phenomenal talent available to the manager.

But the Man City boss often opts for the lightning-quick Walker when there is a real threat down the left wing, which was the case in the recent Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants had one of the most talented players in the world in Vinicius Jr playing in that role last week, with the Brazilian adding real pace to his trickery.

Kyle Walker played the entire 90 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu, and although Vinicius got on the scoresheet, the right-back looks set to start in the second leg at the Etihad this evening.

At 32, he has retained his pace, and has now revealed exactly how he has managed to do that over all these years of playing at the highest level.

“I’m 32, but not old!” added Walker. “I still feel great and have kept fit, bar the injury where I ruptured my groin before the World Cup. I look after myself on and off the field and get the work in the gym to cope with the load.

“I have to thank mum and dad too – genetics – some players slow down, but I hit 37.5kmph the other day in speed – I don’t seem to be getting slower and long may that continue.”


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