14Feb

2012: the year of Kyle Walker

by Alan Frost

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January 2010, and a young British full back decided to set White Hart Lane alight.

Gareth Bale’s attacking talent saw him move into midfield, where he terrorised opposition full backs across England and Europe. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker was recalled from his loan spell at Sheffield United and played twice for Spurs, but 2012 could be the year Walker’s makes an impression just as big as Bale.

Unlike his Welsh team-mate, Walker is likely to remain in his full-back berth for the foreseeable future. At 21 Walker is a better defender than Bale, but lacks the offensive ability and tight dribbling skills of Tottenham’s number three. However, when the man from Sheffield turns on the afterburners and powers up and down Tottenham’s right flank there is no finer sight and parallels can be drawn with the likes of Maicon, Dani Alves  and Cafu, the archetypal flying full backs.

And 2012 provides plenty of opportunity for Walker to make an impact on the continental stage. Under Harry Redknapp’s leadership Spurs find themselves in a title race, albeit as outsiders compared to the two Manchester clubs. The lilywhites face Stevenage in the 5^th round of the FA cup and will fancy their chances of making it all the way to Wembley, and with his manager favourite for the England role, Walker’s chances of a starting role in Euro 2012 have increased.

Even if the FA goes with someone else there is strong argument to say Walker should be England’s first choice right back. His attacking runs offer as much threat as Micah Richards, while Kyle takes on more responsibility defensively than the City man. Glen Johnson has yet to find his best form since his return from injury, while the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are not natural right backs. The only area Walker finds himself behind his rivals is their relative versatility (although he has played at centre back in Spurs friendlies).

After Euro 2012, Walker will (hopefully) face his maiden Champions League campaign. This was the arena that Bale made his name known around Europe and Walker’s bursts from right back could have a similar effect on the continent.

Kyle Walker is the first choice right back for Tottenham. 2012 could see him become England’s number one right back and establish himself as one of the best full-backs in Europe.

Posted by Tottenham fan Alan Frost

Follow Alan on Twitter at @AlanFrost_HT