Man City specialist still has a key role to play for Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola still doesn't know where Kyle Walker will be playing his football next season, but it is clear why he hopes it is with Man City.

There were questions over whether the experienced defender would even start against the Yokohama Marinos amid the ongoing uncertainty of his future. Not only did he, but he wore the captain's armband as well.

It was a reminder of just how important Walker is not only as a player but a personality in this City squad, and the priceless role he would still have to play if he remains at the club beyond the summer. City have already lost Ilkay Gundogan from their five-man leadership group following his move to Barcelona and could do without losing another one if it is possible.

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Walker isn't just a leader, though. Primarily, his value to this City squad is that he is still an excellent footballer, which is exactly why Bayern Munich are so interested in signing him as well.

The problem is that City can't guarantee him the game time he wants, and he is now not even necessarily the perfect fit for a side that has enjoyed so much success following their innovative defensive restructure.

There are certain matches when he is still invaluable, though. His duels with Vinicius Jr. will go down in recent folklore, and there could be other occasions over the next season when they need someone with his specialist skillset to nullify opposition wingers.

It was even obvious during City's enthralling pre-season opener against sister club Yokohama on Sunday, with Walker's pace and reading of the game crucial in ensuring they did not fall further behind in the first-half.

City struggled against the energy and enterprise of the