Kyle Walker signs a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur, contracting him till 2021.
Kyle Walker Signs New Contract
Career so far
Tottenham
Since transferring from Sheffield United in 2009, Walker was loaned back to Sheffield before joining Queens Park Rangers then Aston Villa on loan . After building up some invaluable experience, he was then ready to start his Tottenham career. His breakthrough season in 2011/2 was celebrated by winning the Young PFA Player of the Year award.
Walker brings invaluable pace and strength to his position at fullback. Whilst his defending has been often faulty, this turn of speed has allowed him to recover on many occasions. However, recent seasons have shown an increase in his defensive capabilities whilst still retaining an attacking threat. A vital part of Mauricio Pochettino’s system, like Danny Rose, he provides invaluable width. He also has managed to score some impressive freekicks such as the stunning effort against Blackburn Rovers.
England
His debut for England came in a 1-0 win over Spain in November 2012, where he had brief cameo very late on in the match. A few days later he made his first start against Sweden, winning the man-of-the-match accolade on his full debut.
Injury played a devastating role in limiting Walker’s international tournament experience. He missed Euro 2012 due to a toe injury. In addition, he missed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, due to a hamstring injury. However, he finally reached his first tournament in Euro 2016, where he finally proved himself on the international stage. The highlight of his international career is the man-of-the-match performance against Wales in this competition. Despite England’s disappointing overall tournament display, there were some standout performers such as Walker.
A Bright Future
By signing Walker on a new contract, Tottenham have furthered their recent contract renewal campaign. So far, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Danny Rose have already signed new contracts, and Walker adds to the list of young English talent staying at the club. This is promising to see both domestically and nationally, where English talent is beginning to revive under the reign of Pochettino. The only way to improve the English national team is to develop young English talent, such as the development of Walker, and utilise them in the Premier League.
