Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Pep’s Don a moody
Walker’s delighted to be Sergio’s team-mate because marking him always turned out a nightmare
KYLE WALKER is in dreamland playing with Sergio Aguero because he admits facing him was a “nightmare”.
While at Spurs, Walker used to dread trying to shackle the Manchester City striker, who has scored 10 times against the north Londoners.
Aguero has seven in seven games this season and is just one goal away from equalling Eric Brook’s club record tally of 177.
Walker, who moved to the Etihad in the summer, said: “To play against, he’s a nightmare.
“Facing him in numerous seasons he always seemed to score against us. It was frustrating. So having him on the same team is a big bonus.
“He’s a quality player. If things aren’t going well, he is the kind of player who can produce that bit of magic and put us one goal up or back into the game.”
The England defender, set for only his fifth Champions League appearance when Shakhtar Donetsk visit tonight, has been struck by Aguero’s authority in the dressing room.
“On the field, he’s no different to what I imagined,” said the right-back. “You can see what a good player he is.
“Off the field, he is a little bit quieter than I thought, but his presence around the place gives off the vibe of winning.
“He has a winning mentality and he wants the best from his teammates, as we all do from each other.
“Anything below par, I think he will be one of the first to say come on this isn’t right, let’s pick it up.
“Luckily, he hasn’t had to have a word with us so far.”
Walker is relishing the freedom he has been given by boss Pep Guardiola to push into midfield when
City are in possession.
“I think one of the big reasons for signing here was the gaffer likes to play the way
I like to play with attacking fullbacks,” he said.
“The standard of full-backs here as well, it’s very hard. He’s improving me as a player.” PEP GUARDIOLA refused to get carried away by Manchester City’s scintillating form, warning: “It’s still only September.” Guardiola remembers how City’s season went off the rails this time last year after they had made an even better start, winning their first 10 games. “It’s better to be in this position but it’s just September,” he said.
“Manchester City have started well a few times in recent years but afterwards were not able to achieve the same results.”
Guardiola is expecting Shakhtar Donetsk to test his City side tonight.
“Napoli are one of the best football teams right now and, in their opening game, they beat them,” he said. “This group is tricky. We can have no room for complacency.”