Kyle Walker’s lackluster Champions League debut for AC Milan was a sharp contrast to his previous outstanding showings.
Walker’s performance has been criticized by the media, who have pointed out his difficulties against Feyenoord’s Paixao.
Walker hopes to regain his form at AC Milan despite a difficult start as he confronts more obstacles in the future.
Kyle Walker’s initial appearances in the recognizable red and black of AC Milan hinted at a honeymoon period—a new beginning, a new stage, and an opportunity to start over. However, it’s clear from his most recent Champions League performance that the specters of his tumultuous Manchester City form haven’t been completely banished yet.
Igor Paixao, one of the most impressive players from the first league phase, delivered the game-winning goal in the Rossoneri’s playoff first leg against Feyenoord on Wednesday night. When the two teams play again at the San Siro next week, Milan will have a steep hill to climb in their attempt to advance to the Round of 16. However, Walker’s performance will be one of Sergio Conceicao’s main worries.
After beginning the 2024–25 season as a shadow of his former self, the former Manchester City right-back reluctantly acknowledged by December that he was no longer playing well for the four-time Premier League winners. After a stellar career in England’s top division, where he won five Premier League titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups, and solidified his place among the best right-backs to ever grace the game, that realization accelerated his transfer to Milan.
Now that Italy is shining brightly, Walker has a fantastic chance to start a new chapter in his life. However, the media has their say, so if his most recent performance is any indication, the script still has to be seriously revised.
Kyle Walker’s AC Milan Champions League Debut
The seasoned defender’s performance for his new team was at its worst.
Walker’s domineering performance during the 2022–2023 Champions League campaign will be remembered by all. He notably put Kylian Mbappe on lockdown during the quarterfinal matchup with PSG. A few months later, when the Cityiens lifted ‘Ol’ Big Ears’ for the first time in Istanbul, Jack Grealish asked Thierry Henry if he would like playing against the right-back in his heyday.
However, he had much less luck in his first European tournament since leaving the Etihad. The 34-year-old clearly looked his age over the 90 minutes, finishing only 74% of his pass efforts, winning only 42% of his duels, making no successful dribbles, and completing only five of his 11 long pass attempts.
Throughout the night, Walker was beaten by his opposite number, Paixao. This was demonstrated by the Brazilian winger’s goal and subsequent Man of the Match award. Check out his objective and some analysis below:
Igor Paixao took on Milan new boy Kyle Walker and made things happen for Feyenoord 🔥
Watch Champions League highlights on BBC iPlayer: https://t.co/LsLu4SuY3F #UCL #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/q8mssw7NGw
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 12, 2025
Walker had very few positives, but there were glimpses of his Serie A form, which won him over the San Siro supporters at an early age. He created one significant opportunity, made eight passes into the final third, and was effective in both of his tackle attempts. Despite this, the media has continued to whip into a frenzy.
The stats of Kyle Walker vs Feyenoord
The number of minutes played
90
Passes
34 out of 47 (72%)
Opportunities generated
One
Effective dribbles
0/1 (0%)
enters the final third
8.
Long stretches
5/11 (45%)
Duels prevailed.
3/7 (42%)
Tackles prevailed.
2/2 (100%)
How Walker’s Performance Was Reacted To By the Media
The media swiftly attacked the defender due to the game’s erratic results-driven structure.
In the weeks preceding Walker’s first Champions League match for AC Milan, the media were equally quick to criticize him as they were to laud him. “He definitely lost his 1v1 battle tonight and struggled overall in defense, not quite getting the attempted tackles/interceptions right,” Sempre Milan said in their match ratings piece, giving the Englishman a 5/10. Additionally, he wasn’t exactly best buddies with the ball and didn’t contribute much to the assault.
“Today, Walker will dream about Paixao,” one writer remarked, while another stated: “Kyle Walker’s most difficult match with Milan since joining.” Paixao appeared to be unstoppable. The Sun also carried headlines that said, “Kyle Walker’s debut in the AC Milan Champions League is a memorable experience as the English star is humiliated by the Brazilian ace.”
Kyle Walker’s most challenging game with Milan since joining. Paixao looked unstoppable https://t.co/U4UG2MrRCb
— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) February 12, 2025
Walker had a poor performance rating of 5.5/10 from Football Italia as well because of the Englishman’s difficulties in spite of his expertise. “The Brazilian has turned Kyle Walker into a broken toy” was the conclusion of a sixth comment, which summed up the amount of stick Walker received during his first subpar performance since moving to the world’s fashion city.
However, the seasoned full-back had been playing well for Milan prior to last night, and he will be hoping to carry on that streak when his club hosts Verona at the San Siro this weekend. Although the media and fans may think the honeymoon phase is ended right now, only time will tell for sure.
