Body language has been a hot topic within the City fanbase over recent weeks, as Pep Guardiola has cryptically hinted at certain players not being selected to start games for City due to their body language in training. The Athletic journalist Sam Lee/@SamLee has provided a name for a player who has been guilty of negative body language and has thus lost his place within Guardiola’s side.
Kyle Walker is the name who Guardiola has been referring to in the media over recent weeks, as well as Joao Cancelo who has since departed the Blues to join German champions Bayern Munich. The 32-year-old has reportedly become ‘disgruntled’ in losing his place, as teenager Rico Lewis has broken into Guardiola’s team since the World Cup and has thoroughly impressed with mature performances against Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs. Lewis offers a different approach to Walker, often inverting into City’s midfield and becoming an auxiliary midfielder. Walker due to his limitations technically is a traditional right-back, capable of overlapping his winger and fantastic at galloping up and down City’s right flank.
According to Lee, Walker’s attitude and body language have since improved, and the four-time Premier League winner will be of vital importance as the season progresses as City will need his experience, defensive intuition and recovery pace if the Blues are to chase down Premier League leader’s Arsenal and try to capture their first Champions League title.