Kyle Walker

Sheffield United

Walker joined boyhood club Sheffield United at the age of seven after being recommended by coach Paul Archer at Football Unites, Racism Divides. Walker progressed through the ranks to become a regular fixture in the reserve team by 2008. In November 2008, he was allowed to join League One club Northampton Town on a one-month loan to gain first-team experience, making his debut on 15 November in a defeat to Oldham Athletic. His one-month loan was later extended into January 2009, before he returned to United, having played nine matches for Northampton. Soon after returning to Sheffield United, Walker made his first-team debut for the club on 13 January 2009, starting in a third round FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient. With United losing a number of players to injury in the closing weeks of the season, Walker was included in the starting line-up for the last two matches of the season, making his full league debut for the club on 25 April 2009 against Swansea City. After two performances he retained his place as Sheffield United entered the Championship play-offs, starting both matches against Preston North End and the final against Burnley at the end of May 2009. By playing in the final, Walker became the youngest Sheffield United player ever to play at Wembley Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur

2009–2011: Transfer and loans

On 22 July 2009, Walker signed for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, along with Sheffield United teammate Kyle…

Youth career

Walker made his debut for the England national under-19 team on 10 February 2009, coming on as a 78th-minute substitute in a 3–0 home loss to Spain in a friendly. His first start came on 25 March in another friendly, in which England drew 0–0 at home to the Czech Republic. Walker was part of the England squad at the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, and played in every match as England went on to lose 2–0 to Ukraine in the final. This was the last of his seven appearances for the under-19s. Walker's debut for the England national under-21 team came on 3 March 2010 when starting a 2–1 home defeat to Greece in a 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification group match. At the end of the 2010–11 season, he was named in the England squad for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Denmark. Walker played in England's three matches at the tournament, and despite them being eliminated in the group stage he was named in the Team of the Tournament. He finished his under-21 career with seven appearances.

Senior

2011–2020

Following his first run of regular Premier League starts, Walker was called up to the senior national team in February and March 2011. However, he did not feature in any of the matches played, and pulled out of the squad in March due to an injury. He went on to make his debut in a 1–0 win over Spain, coming on for Scott Parker as a substitute in the 85th minute. He made his first start on 15…

Kyle Walker is known for his speed and strength, and has been identified by players such as Neymar and Eden Hazard as one of the toughest opponents they have ever faced. Some consider him to be instrumental to Manchester City's recent success, and has been praised by both current and former teammates as one of the best and most accomplished full-backs in the world. He is considered by some a strong and physical defender who is comfortable in one-on-one situations and is adept at making tackles and interceptions. Walker's defensive ability is also enhanced by his reading of the game and his ability to anticipate opposition attacks. In addition to his defensive qualities, Walker is also an attacking full-back who is capable of making overlapping runs and delivering crosses into the box. His speed and stamina allows him to contribute in both attack and defence, and he is often seen covering large areas of the pitch in games.

Kyle Andrew Walker was born on 28 May 1990 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and is of Jamaican descent on his father's side. He grew up in the Sharrow area of the city, and attended Porter Croft Infant & Junior School, followed by High Storrs School until 2006.