Walker makes Leao prediction and gives Man City comparison for Theo Hernandez | OneFootball

Kyle Walker believes that his new Milan teammate Rafael Leao has the ability to become one of the best footballers on the planet, and feels that this could ‘only be the beginning’ for Theo Hernandez, who he feels is at the beginning of the peak years of his career.

The England international, who joined the Rossoneri from Manchester City on Friday, gave his first press conference on Monday afternoon, alongside club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Walker addressed a number of topics during his chat with the press, including Milan’s recent victory over Parma, but also answered questions about some of his new teammates.

Walker: ‘It’s up to Leao to become one of the best in the world’

The 34-year-old was full of compliments, lent some advice to Leao and told the press which of his former Man City teammates he reminds him of.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates victory while wearing his winners medal following the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“Rafa speaks for himself. I remember watching a lot of his games, he reminds me of Bernardo Silva. It’s up to Rafa now to try and become one of the best in the world. ,” Walker said, reported via TMW.

“This team has loads of quality, everyone wants to play, but a good chunk of it comes from your mentality. You can’t afford to cool down just because you’re good, you have to have continuity and be consistent.”

Theo Hernandez is 26. ‘I went to City when I was 27’

epa11810361 Players of AC Milan celebrate winning the Supercoppa Italiana final match between FC Inter and AC Milan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 06 January 2025. EPA-EFE/STRINGER

Walker also feels that, given his age, Theo Hernandez is only at the beginning of his best years as a player. Walker’s move to Man City seven-and-a-half years ago illustrates that point.

“I played against Theo with the national team. He’s a top player, his statistics speak for themselves. This could be just the beginning, he’s 26 years old. I went to City when I was 27.

“I think this is the most important period for a defender, the peak of his career because he has that knowledge in both the attacking and defensive phases. I’m here if he needs advice, but I hope to compliment Theo. The important thing is the team, not the individuals.”