
The 'most intelligent' player
Kyle Walker says Samir Nasri is the player he hated facing most.Nasri joined Manchester City from league rivals Arsenal in 2011, making 176 appearances during his six years at the club. He scored 27 and assisted a further 39 before leaving in 2017, the same summer Walker joined from Tottenham.Speaking on The Kyle Walker podcast, Walker said: "I used to hate playing against City when I was at Tottenham. Nasri..."If people were to say: 'OK, who is the hardest player that you've played against?', I know they would say [Kylian] Mbappe, [Sadio] Mane, Neymar, Vinicius Jr and these types of players. But, when I think about the most intelligent, who I didn't really like to be against, it would be Nasri. "He used to stand in pockets where it's very unnatural for you to go into that position. It doesn't feel normal. He kind of played number 10, so he didn't even play on the wing. So, he used to come inside. I was then: 'Do I go in and follow him? Do I leave him?' But then, all of a sudden, Gael Clichy used to be on the overlap, running in behind you. "I think that's the relationship that they built together with playing a number of years at Arsenal together. They took that to City. Whenever I came up against City, when Nasri and Clichy were playing, it was always going to be a tough game."Listen to the full podcast

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
28 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Arsenal target new defender as they monitor Premier League captain and ask about Ajax star in bid to add to their squad after going trophyless again
Arsenal have asked about a potential move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. The highly rated centre back made his senior debut at just 16 years old and became an undisputed starter for the Eredivisie side last season. Now 19, Hato has been appointed as one of Ajax's vice-captains, and was named Eredivisie Talent of the Year in 2024-25. The star, who can play left back and centre back, is also a target for Chelsea, who are once again on the hunt for reinforcements in defence. Liverpool fans were convinced they had spotted the Hato in the stands during the Reds' 4-1 win over Ipswich in January. One of the most sought-after talents in Europe, he was first called up to the Dutch senior squad in November 2023 for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Ireland and Gibraltar. His debut come when he replaced Virgil van Dijk at half time against the latter. Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his side on the back of another trophyless season at the club At club level, he joined Ajax in 2018 from Sparta Rotterdam, and made his way through the academy before debuting for the senior side in November 2022. Since then, he has made 92 appearances for Ajax, scoring four goals. Arsenal also hold interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi but he would want greater starting opportunities if he left. Palace anticipate offers will come from Newcastle and Chelsea for Guehi. The Magpies made a plethora of failed bids for the England international last summer, whom Palace demanded £70m for. Arsenal target Leroy Sane,meanwhile, is joining Galatasaray in a shock move after failing to agree on a new contract at Bayern Munich.


Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Man United agree £1m deal for highly rated 16-year-old Southampton defender Harley Emsden-James
Manchester United have agreed a £1m deal for 16-year-old Harley Emsden-James from Southampton. United will also pay add-ons for the defender while Saints have a 20 per cent sell on. Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea were among the clubs interested in signing the teenager last summer. The acquisition of Emsden-James is the latest example of United's efforts to poach highly rated talent from other Premier League sides. His arrival follows the signings of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal last season, who were both handed first-team minutes during the campaign. Emsden-James got his first taste of Under 18s football during the 2024-25 season, making two appearances despite being only 15-years-old. He is likely to be part of the Red Devils' U18s squad next term. Given he will not turn 17 until March 2026, it is unlikely he will be handed regular minutes at U21 level. Meanwhile, in what is expected to be a busy summer for United, the club are continuing talks for Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo after last week's opening offer of £55million was rejected. The Red Devils were dealt a blow last weekend when reports emerged that Tottenham were entering the race for the 25-year-old. Mbeumo is seen as a key target for United, who are looking to improve their lacklustre squad after a dreadful campaign. The Red Devils scored just 44 goals in the Premier League, the second lowest of any non-relegated side.


The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Palace co-owner John Textor would sell shares for Europa League chance
UEFA does not allow clubs with the same ownership to compete in the same European competitions in a season. Eberechi Eze scored the winning goal when Palace beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final (Adam Davy/PA) As well as his stake in Palace, the 59-year-old has a controlling stake in the French club, also via Eagle Football. However it is also reported that the European governing body does not consider Textor's influence at Selhurst Park to be decisive and is leaning towards allowing the club into the Europa League regardless. The PA news agency understands no formal decision is likely on Palace's fate until the end of June. Textor has previously spoken of his frustration at how little influence his stake entitles him to, over football matters. Victory for Oliver Glasner's side over Manchester City in last month's FA Cup final gave them their first major trophy and with it a first crack at Europe. Nottingham Forest – who are owned by Evangelos Marinakis – have written to UEFA challenging Palace's involvement in the Europa League (Mike Egerton/PA) However, Nottingham Forest have since written to UEFA to challenge Palace's Europa League spot and in the hope of taking their place. Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Greek side Olympiacos, placed his shares in the club in a blind trust before the governing body's March 1 deadline, anticipating Nuno Espirito Santo's side's European qualification. At present Forest, who finished seventh in last season's Premier League, are set to enter the Conference League but would take Palace's Europa League place, should they be deemed ineligible.