The form of Manchester City’s captain is now past the point of just being a blip | OneFootball

As Manchester City went down to a 2-nil defeat to Liverpool at Anfield yesterday some familiar patterns were on display. Pep Guardiola’s side tried all they could in the second half to get back into the game but they lacked any cutting edge. City’s midfield looked disjointed and fatigued up against a younger and quicker opponent. Defensive errors cost the world champions as both of Liverpool’s goals came from City’s mistakes. Another familiar sight was a poor display from Manchester City’s captain Kyle Walker. At this point, Walker’s form is past the point of being a temporary blip. It is now a major concern for Manchester City going forward.

As Liverpool took the lead in the 13th minute through Cody Gakpo Kyle Walker lost the Dutch international at the back post. Mo Salah’s ball came across the box and Gakpo was on hand to tap in at the back post unattended. Manchester City’s captain lost the Dutch international and the result was clear to see. Walker had a hand in Liverpool’s second, but Ruben Dias made the first error that led to Walker’s mistake, which then saw Stefan Ortega foul Luis Diaz in the box late in the second half which led to Mo Salah’s penalty.

Kyle Walker isn’t to blame for Manchester City’s defeat yesterday. Manchester City were beaten by the better team at Anfield. But what is concerning is that Walker’s performance followed a familiar pattern of his displays this season. His effort is there, so is his work rate but his lapses in concentration are hurting his team. Manchester City’s captain also looks like his body is finally beginning to slow down. His athleticism and pace has been key attributes to his game across his career. But now it’s clear to see that that he is slowing down as age catches up to him.

But that’s where the problem lies for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. Kyle Walker isn’t what he was. He has been a warrior for the world champions but time has caught up to him. But the problem for Manchester City is they need their captain in the pitch. There isn’t another right-back who take his place as it stands currently. Rico Lewis is needed in midfield and he looks like his heavy workload is catching up to him. Manuel Akanji can step in at right-back but he looks fatigued. John Stones could play the role but he’s once again battling injury concerns. The cupboard appears bare for Pep Guardiola at such a vital position.

The form of Manchester City’s captain has gone on for to long to be considered a blip. His performance against Liverpool followed a similar pattern of his previous performances this season. That’s the concern for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. Kyle Walker will always hold a special place at Manchester City due to his past achievements at the club. He has been integral to City’s era of dominance. But it’s clear the see he is almost past his best and that is now a major problem for Pep Guardiola’s side. Unless they buy another right-back in January there doesn’t appear to be an immediate solution to the issue at this stage.