Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has named Manchester Metropolis captain Kyle Walker and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate as the 2 hardest opponents he has confronted within the Premier League.

Requested by the Males In Blazers podcast who’re probably the most troublesome defenders to go one-on-one towards, Martinelli replied:

“It must be [Kyle] Walker and [Ibrahima] Konate from Liverpool. They’re each powerful to beat.”

Walker’s tempo and energy have made him the bane of numerous wingers and it’s clear that he has the total respect of Martinelli too.

Might Walker get replaced subsequent summer time?

Regardless of being up there with one of the best right-backs in Premier League historical past, the defender is nearing the tip of his profession on the highest stage.

Walker shall be 35 in Could and, though he’ll nonetheless have a yr left on his contract, there are already stories suggesting that the Cityzens are weighing up potential replacements.

The membership are mentioned to have spoken with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong earlier this yr and a few consider the membership might revive their curiosity within the former Metropolis academy graduate in a future switch window.

Metropolis want their greatest defence if they’re to retain the Premier League title

Lots has been product of Rodri’s absence, however one of many largest the explanation why Pep Guardiola’s crew have dropped so many factors in current weeks is as a result of they haven’t managed to subject the identical again 4 constantly.

Walker, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake all have been on the sidelines at totally different factors this season, with Josko Gvardiol the one participant to characteristic recurrently.

If Metropolis are to complete prime of the desk as soon as once more this season, the health of those gamers shall be key.

Discover out who’s in Manchester Metropolis’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season right here