Would Tottenham’s Kyle Walker be a good fit for Barcelona this summer?

Add as preferred source on Google

Barcelona are eyeing a summer transfer move for Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker as they continue their search for a Dani Alves replacement, according to the Evening Standard. The Brazilian left the club last year, but Los Cules didn’t manage to sufficiently replace him and they have paid the price for it this season. Their full-backs have been their weakness this season and teams have targeted them down the wings. This was evident in their Champions League first leg match against Juventus, as the Italians dominated down the flanks. Although they have an attack to compete in every match, they can’t continue to carry a poor defence and reinforcements are imperative if they are to challenge for major honours next season.

Would Walker be a good fit for the La Liga giants?

Under Mauricio Pochettino, Kyle Walker has developed into one of the best-attacking full-backs in the world and it isn’t a surprise that he is attracting interest from one of the most decorated clubs in Europe. He is the defender with the most assists in the Premier League this season with five to date. This has been his most creative season in terms of assists as he continues to get better and better in a Tottenham shirt. The England international averages 1.15 key passes and 1.33 chances created per ninety minutes, underlining his worth to the Spurs attack.

His pace and work rate allows him to get up-and-down the right flank for Spurs, while his in-game intelligence has improved a lot, as he is now rarely caught out of position. In terms of defensive contribution, the right-back averages 3.07 ball recoveries per game. He was once a player that was prone to making errors on a frequent basis, but he has made only two defensive errors this season. Walker is also dominant in the air, as displayed by his 67.09% aerial duel success rate. If he was to move to La Liga, his physicality would give him an immediate advantage over a lot of the attackers in the league.

Barcelona have had to rely on Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal at right-back this season. Although both are tidy players, they don’t the required quality to be a regular starter for a club with the ambition of winning the Champions League. The former has problems with the tactical intricacies of the right-back role, as he often struggles with stretching the play and he lacks defensive intelligence around his own penalty area. Meanwhile, Vidal is an impressive attacker with lots of pace, but he is an average defender at best. Neither have the complete profile that Alves had. Although Walker isn’t at that level either, he has the potential to be a Champions League calibre right-back and he is one of the best options available to Barcelona this summer.

Is this likely?

Tottenham won’t be interested in selling Walker as he is a crucial part to their attacking play in both the 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1. They rely heavily on their full-backs to get forward and supply the width, allowing Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli to drift into more central areas. As the most creative defender in the Premier League, he would carry a high price tag and Spurs will do all they can to keep him at White Hart Lane. There is also the question of whether the player himself will be interested in a move. It is unusual for English players to go abroad and considering the upward curve that Spurs are on, the 26-year-old may prefer to remain at the club.

That said, this is Barcelona and they are one of the biggest clubs in the world. Any player worth their salt would be open to a move to the Nou Camp and considering the issues they have at full-back, they will be desperately searching for reinforcements in those positions. They play a style of football that would suit Walker, as Sergio Busquets remains deep as a shield to the centre-back pairing, which allows the two full-backs to bomb on. The Englishman would be a good solution to their right-back issue and if he is a serious target, they have the finances to complete a deal. At this stage, it is only speculation, but it is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Arsenal