Italy has turned into a haven for England internationals who have gone awry in recent years, and it appears that Kyle Walker has joined the growing number of Three Lions players who are fleeing to the boot-shaped nation, where anti-aging elixirs are abundant, after just three games with AC Milan.
The 2024–25 season had begun without the former Manchester City right-back’s typical vigour, and by December, he had grudgingly acknowledged that he was no longer a good fit for the four-time Premier League winners. After a stellar career in England’s top division, where Walker won five Premier League titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups, and cemented his status as one of the best right-backs of all time, a move to The Rossoneri was imminent.
Many people thought that the former Tottenham player’s trek away from his homeland was a sorrowful and sudden farewell. However, the 34-year-old seems to have grabbed a second wind early in his Serie A career.
How Kyle Walker Has Performed in Italy So Far
It would be an understatement to suggest that Walker is flourishing in the world’s fashion capital after three starts, four and a half hours of football, and three games without a loss for AC Milan, in which he has only given up twice. He has been plunged into the deep end when given the responsibility of monitoring players like Lautaro Martinez, but instead of sinking, he has embraced it with ease.
The right-back recorded a 93% pass success rate, generated one big chance, made seven passes into the final third, won all of his tackles, won five of his seven duels, and was dribbled past zero times in his most recent match, a 2-0 victory over Empoli on the road. At the Etihad, it was the kind of performance that was forgotten, but for which both AC Milan supporters and teammates are incredibly grateful.
Walker’s ability to bounce back and try again has also been highlighted by his other two appearances to date. He wasn’t even dribbled past in the Coppa Italia quarterfinal matchup against Roma. The defender then produced four tackles, two clearances, one interception, and won four of six ground duels in his debut match against Inter Milan, who are predicted to advance deeper in the Champions League than any other Italian team.
Supporters of AC Milan Applaud Kyle Walker’s Quick Start in Life
It is one thing to perform well at a new club, but for many football players, winning the admiration of their new fans is a very different matter. Walker is fortunate to have accomplished both. One AC Milan fan remarked, “Kyle is an example of how right-backs should play the game,” while another observed, “The best player on the field for three consecutive games.” This winter, we have the best signing.
“So incredibly calm, cool, and collected in defence,” said a third commenter. The fact that we were forced to watch Calabria, Royal, Florenzi, Conti, de Sciglio, and other teams for so long rather than a top-tier right-back—even one who is reportedly in decline—is criminal. A fourth, meanwhile, went on: “I’m still baffled as to why Pep let him leave. A member of his class could have easily filled Rodri’s place in Man City as a regista.
Just 2 Games In, and Milan Fans Already Have a Chant for Kyle Walker’s Pregame Water Spray ritual 😂
Instant impact ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/a76sy1IkLZ
— Alex ♦️♣️𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔷𝔞𝔪𝔦𝔩𝔞𝔫𝔰𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔯𝔢♣️♦️ (@rafaeleao__) February 6, 2025
“The last time we had such stability on that position was the days of Cafu,” read the fifth piece of praise, while the sixth concluded, “He is the key to our defence.” A world-class right-back at last—it’s a shame he’s not younger—as AC Milan gets ready for Wednesday night’s Champions League knockout matchup against Feyenoord.
As Thomas Tuchel gets ready for his first games in March’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Walker’s position in the national team hierarchy is still up in the air. Even though he must now accept playing second fiddle to Trent Alexander-Arnold after being the clear first choice under Gareth Southgate during two European Championship finals, his current form indicates he may still have a role to play.
