Today's second scouting report
http://championshipmanager.co.uk/, is on a young Championship defender making his tentative steps in senior football.
Sheffield Uts's Kyle Walker may not have enjoyed as much hype as teammate Kyle Naughton, but the youngster impressed with his dynamic performance at Wembley in the Blades play-off final defeat to Burnley, and is being tipped for big things.
He may not have the likes of Man U, Arsenal and Liverpool just yet, but the likes of Villa, Spurs and Everton could do a lot worse than keeping an eye on the maruading young full back.
Name: Kyle Walker
Date of Birth: 28th May 1990
Nationality: English
Club: Sheffield United
Position: Right back/centre back
Transfer Value: £400,000 but steadily rising
Career History
Walker may still a bit of a novice when it comes to playing in the Football League, but if his performances in the Championship play-offs this season are anything to go by, he’s sure to be able to make good progress. A highly successful loan spell at Northampton in the autumn of 2008 saw the defender make nine appearances and briefly establish himself as first choice right back at the League One side. After returning to United at the start of 2009, Walker made his Blades debut in the FA Cup in January 2009 against Leyton Orient and went on to make six more appearances for the Blades, as they just missed out in the Championship Play-Off final.
Playing Style
Walker is a no-nonsense right back, who seems to love defending. Although not the tallest at 5ft10, he can also play as a central defender but it’s at full back where his pace and distribution skills are put to best use. Walker is good at supporting his winger on the overlap and his form at the end of the season saw the equally as promising, Kyle Naughton, switched over to left back.
Strengths
A typical modern day defender who has all the technical and physical attributes to go a long way in the game. Walker is a quick player with good balance and agility. With more experience he will become a key player for Sheffield United as an attacking full back. His defensive skills are good for one so young and he is rarely beaten in a one-on-one situation.
Weakness
A lot of Walker’s flaws can be attributed to his age and lack of first team experience. He can be caught ball-watching at times and has occasionally shown a lack of positional discipline and when bombing forward from fullback.
What Next ?
Walker will be looking to establish himself as a first team regular at Sheffield United next season and hopefully get international recognition with England U21s. It’s too early to tell if he is Premiership quality just yet.
Ratings
• Overall 6.5
• Shooting 4.1
• Passing 5.4
• Heading 5.7
• Tackling 6.2
• Pace 7.1
• Work-rate 7.5
• Crossing 5.8
• Creativity 3.9
• Dribbling 5.2