Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola heaps praise on defender Kyle Walker and said the 33-year-old has a genetic quality that is "incomparable" and "unique". Walker was rumoured to leave City for Bayern Munich. Despite this, the 33-year-old defender chose to stay with the club, opting for a contract extension to continue his tenure. UEFA Champions League 2023–24: Manchester United Awaits Uphill Task Against Bayern Munich, PSG to Take On Borussia Dortmund On Matchday 1.

"I would say first of all as a footballer, he has a genetic quality that is incomparable, physicalities, something unique. After that is the personality. When he talks to his mates, the people listen and now I think he is making a step as a more mature player, on and off the pitch," said Guardiola to TNT Sports when asked what makes Walker such a special player.

City lost a number of senior players over the summer transfer window, including Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan, Joao Cancelo and Cole Palmer, and Guardiola acknowledged that seeing Walker leave would have been tough to manage. Mats Hummels and Marco Reus Inspire Borussia Dortmund Ahead of PSG Match in UEFA Champions League 2023–24.

"It would have been a big, big blow, to lose him as a player. Fortunately, it didn’t happen, it’s important. After seven years together, we know each other with eye contact. And he is a special player, he is irreplaceable. As [long] as he’s focused, he’ll be there for many years," Guardiola added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2023 04:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).