Jack Grealish, one of Manchester City’s most skilled and charismatic players, recently revealed the one player he truly dreads facing on the pitch, naming none other than his City teammate and England compatriot, Kyle Walker. In a league as competitive as the Premier League, where Grealish has been pitted against world-class players over the years, including legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, fans might have expected a different answer. Yet, for Grealish, it’s Walker’s unmatched speed, strength, and defensive skills that make him his toughest adversary.
Speaking candidly on *Men in Blazers*, Grealish admitted that Walker has always been a challenging opponent. “Kyle Walker,” he shared without hesitation. “Obviously now it’s good because I get to play against him every day and test myself against him. But before I came to Man City, I played against him at Villa for years and I used to dread it.”
This sense of dread wasn’t without reason. Walker, one of the fastest players in the Premier League, is known for his powerful tackles, incredible physicality, and precision in one-on-one situations. For Grealish, who often relies on his agility and flair to outmaneuver defenders, Walker posed a near-insurmountable challenge. “When I used to see his name on the team sheet, I always knew it was going to be a difficult game,” he added. “But yeah, now it’s nice to try and test myself up against him every day.”
Grealish and Walker’s history goes back several years. Both players have been teammates at City since Grealish’s high-profile transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, a deal that made Grealish the most expensive British player at the time, with City paying £100 million for his signature. Walker, meanwhile, joined City four years earlier from Tottenham Hotspur for an initial fee of £45 million, cementing himself as a reliable, explosive presence on the defensive line. Since then, the pair have developed a mutual respect, forged both in training and in high-stakes matches on the global stage.
It’s not just Grealish’s personal experience that qualifies Walker as his toughest opponent. In a separate interview with *Sky Sports*, Grealish delved deeper into why Walker is so formidable. “Kyle… he’s an unbelievable defender, pace, strong, one-v-one he is so hard to go past,” he explained. This combination of speed and power makes Walker nearly impossible to bypass, even for a player of Grealish’s caliber who thrives on dribbling past opponents. Indeed, Grealish has honed his skills against Walker in practice, pushing himself against a player he regards as elite in every sense of the word.
Over the years, Walker’s physicality and agility have made him a nightmare matchup for numerous opponents. His blistering speed is such that, even at 34, he is often tasked with neutralizing some of the Premier League’s most dangerous wingers. The defender’s stamina, athleticism, and mental sharpness make him particularly valuable to Manchester City’s tactical setup. Whether it’s cutting off through balls, blocking shots, or sticking tightly to opposing attackers, Walker has mastered the nuances of defending in Pep Guardiola’s system. His adaptability and instinct for reading the game have only improved over time, which explains why Grealish has found Walker so challenging.
Together, Walker and Grealish have won multiple trophies with Manchester City, including three Premier League titles, the long-coveted UEFA Champions League title, and the Club World Cup. They’ve also shared the international stage with the England national team, amassing over 100 caps together. This level of camaraderie and competition has undoubtedly contributed to the duo’s strong bond, with Grealish appreciating how Walker’s formidable skills have pushed him to elevate his game.
However, both Grealish and Walker have experienced fluctuating roles in City’s 2024/25 season thus far, with manager Pep Guardiola experimenting with younger players and tactical rotations. In particular, Walker has seen competition from the versatile defender Rico Lewis, whose youthful energy and adaptability have earned him increasing minutes in Guardiola’s side. Meanwhile, winger Jeremy Doku, a recent addition to the squad, has added depth to the wing, sometimes limiting Grealish’s time on the pitch. While both Walker and Grealish remain instrumental to City’s lineup, Guardiola’s evolving tactics and rotation policy reflect the team’s depth and competitiveness.
Despite these recent changes, Grealish’s respect for Walker remains unwavering. Walker’s defensive prowess has not only earned him the admiration of his teammates but also his opponents. His ability to maintain peak performance, especially against younger, faster players, speaks to his work ethic and discipline, qualities that have made him one of the most respected defenders in the game. And for Grealish, training alongside such an elite player has been a constant source of motivation.
Grealish’s admiration for Walker extends beyond their professional relationship. The winger recognizes Walker as a role model who demonstrates resilience, discipline, and dedication to the game. As teammates, their chemistry on the field is built on trust and understanding, key elements that contribute to City’s success. As rivals in practice sessions, their competition is equally intense, fostering growth and improvement for both players.
For fans, Grealish’s revelation that Walker is his toughest opponent underscores the respect top players have for one another, especially when they are in the same squad. It’s a reminder of the competitive spirit within Manchester City’s ranks, a team where even practice sessions are battles between some of the world’s best.
As City continues its quest for more silverware, the relationship between Grealish and Walker serves as a symbol of the team’s internal strength and unity. Grealish’s experience of dreading Walker as an opponent has evolved into admiration and respect, marking the unique journey they’ve shared as teammates.