GOAL US looks at the pros and cons of Walker's move to Serie A and potential impact on Milan's two American stars
England superstar Kyle Walker is set to join AC Milan in a loan move away from Manchester City, and it's a play that could change the fate of the season. In the 34-year-old fullback, Milan are adding a veteran defender who has had immense success on the club level – and if things work out, it could be the heist of the transfer window.
The Italian club have had a domestic campaign to forget, as they sit 19 points beneath first-place Napoli in the Serie A standings. They're also onto their third manager since last January, with Portuguese boss Sergio Conceicao taking over at the flip of the calendar year.
Walker reportedly will not be able to play for Milan this month, despite nearing a loan move to the San Siro. But he will be a welcome addition.
One thing has remained consistently positive within the club: the performances of U.S. international Christian Pulisic. Though he's missed some time because of injury, the American leads the team in both scoring and assists across all competitions, with 10 goals and seven assists. Meanwhile, international compatriot Yunus Musah has been a versatile, component – the 22-year-old has played multiple positions for the club this season, filling in across the midfield and at right wing.
Milan have been held back this year due to multiple issues on the pitch, including injury woes. And certain players have also let the club down, particularly in defense – notably in the right fullback position. Now Walker is in play.
For Musah and Pulisic on the right side of the pitch, the Englishman's addition could unleash both. GOAL weighs the pros and cons of Walker's arrival in Milan in terms of the impact on the two American stars.
Pro: Sensational overlapping play
Walker's best trait as a fullback has long been his pace, which has resulted in sensational attacking play, even as a defender. He's recorded 36 assists and scored 8 goals in 410 Premier League appearances, but those numbers don't do justice to the production he provides in the final-third by driving the ball forward.
This will be key to getting the most out of the Milan attack, including Pulisic, who will finally have a reliable attacking fullback on the right side to play beneath him when he occupies the No. 10 position, or is played at right wing. Walker will be able to play one-two through balls in the midfield or provide crosses to the club's two tall strikers, Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata.
Milan are currently ninth in scoring. Walker's addition could be a difference maker.
AdvertisementCon: Defensive lapses
Walker, 34, is an upgrade over current starter Emerson Royal overall, but he is no longer the frightening fullback he was in his mid-20s. He's lost an edge defensively, and often finds himself out of position due to forward runs he makes as an attacking-minded fullback. In Pep Guardiola's system at Manchester City, he was often making mistakes when being asked to invert – perhaps not a Walker issue, but a product of the system.
He's been prone to defensive lapses over the past year, though, which has often resulted in a central defender attempting to cover for him, or a chance on target. Moreso than Pulisic, these are traits that will directly affect Musah, who has more often than not been deployed as a right wing under Conceicao.
If Walker is caught up the field, it will require Musah to track back defensively if he is playing in midfield, and at times cover for him. The good news is that's something at which the 22-year-old American can excel.
Getty Images SportPro: Reliability and veteran leadership
While some of Walker's traits may be liabilities on the pitch, there is one thing that is certain: he arrives at a time in which Milan desperately need a veteran presence. Their defense consists of three rotated central defenders, all ages 23 to 27. Walker will be the oldest field player on the roster and will provide experience.
Pulisic and Musah are both veterans in their own sense, but Walker will bring a unique viewpoint into both the locker room and the pitch as they grow under Conceicao. The England international has played more than 500 matches across all competitions with both Tottenham and City, and boasts 93 international showings for the .
What Walker brings in talent, he equally provides in confidence, and that could spread around to his new teammates. He's constantly shown it throughout his career, and that shouldn't change in Milan.
GettyCon: Change in responsbilities
At both the club and international level, Walker has long had expectations larger than those around him. He's expected to be a leader, to be held accountable for his teammates' decisions, to be a proper veteran on the pitch. In addition, he's been expected to be error-free.
Playing in Guardiola's system has been known to take a toll on players. They have to adjust their game to play in a specific manner. At City, Walker was the leader of their defense, the voice of the locker room for quite some time, as well as a spokesperson for the club. At Milan, he might not want those responsibilities.
The fullback has long carried the burden of both the England and City badge, and it remains to be seen if he will be able to compete at a high level without that motivation, or whether it actually frees him.
