KYLE Walker-Peters has insisted he is “comfortable playing anywhere” after featuring in the 10 role versus Manchester United, before Ralph Hasenhuttl compared him to German icon Philipp Lahm. The 24-year-old right-back by trade had already made a case of his versatility this campaign by playing 13 of the first 18 league matches on the opposite side of Hasenhuttl’s defence.
Kyle Walker-Peters said: “I’ve played left-back this season as well, right-back and now in the 10. I’m comfortable playing anywhere. I’m just happy to be on the pitch and to help my teammates get results. But yeah today I enjoyed it, my little 15 minutes in the 10 position and I think I did alright.”
Speaking after he scored in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City last month,
Kyle Walker-Peters said: “The most important thing for me is being on the pitch, whether it is right-back or left-back. I think I am showing people that I can play on the left as well – last season I played it all on the right, so it is good to show people what I can do and I am just enjoying playing my football. I think you are starting to see it more and more in football that right-footed players are playing left-back and I think if you’re good enough on the ball and can show that you can defend on both sides then why not, you know? I think I have shown in games that I can use my left foot to cross, shoot, and like I said I want to show everyone how versatile I can be. I’m enjoying my football whatever side it is on.”
The 2017 Under-20 World Cup-winner simply forced himself into a place where many are now calling for full England international involvement, and he only has encouraging words for his competition.
Kyle Walker-Peters said: “I think he is a really talented player. He started well on his opportunities and I am really happy for him. When there is two really good players competing for a position, if it means that one has to play on the other side then so be it. I am happy to be on the pitch and playing football, hopefully we can continue these strong results.”
