What Walker did in Empoli 0-2 Milan that impressed the Italian media | OneFootball

The press in Italy are already dubbing Kyle Walker Milan’s ‘new leader’ after just three appearances in Rossoneri colours, and one particular example during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Empoli made a particularly decent impression among the local reporters.

Walker has enjoyed a decent start to life in San Siro, helping his team to a respectable 1-1 draw against rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on his debut, before beating Roma 3-1 in the Coppa Italia and Empoli 2-0 in the league this weekend.

Though he joined on loan with an option to buy from Manchester City in January, it already seems like an inevitability rather than a possibility that the Rossoneri will extend his stay beyond the summer.

Official: Kyle Walker joins Milan from Manchester City (picture via www.acmilan.com/it)

La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the 93-time England international is already a leader for Milan on and off the pitch. They suggest that he is among the loudest characters in the dressing room after just a few weeks along with Mike Maignan, Youssouf Fofana and to a lesser extent, Fikayo Tomori.

Fans have also been impressed by his performances, with several suggesting that there is already a noticeable difference compared to when Emerson Royal and Davide Calabria held the right-back spot in San Siro.

What Walker did in Empoli 0-2 Milan that impressed Italian journalists

There was one particular incident during Milan’s 2-0 win over Empoli on Saturday that impressed viewers in Italy.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Kyle Walker of AC Milan acknowledges the fans following the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

As well as being a leader and motivator, Walker showed that he is also capable of acting as an extension of the coach on the pitch.

La Gazzetta dello Sport were particularly impressed when the Englishman took his teammate Yunus Musah to one side during the Empoli win and proceeded to give him instructions for around 15 seconds.

The instructions weren’t just vocal; Walker also showed the American what he meant by mimicking movements and pointing in certain directions.

Musah gave Walker an affirming nod to signal that he had taken the advice on board, before Walker pulled him back to offer one last tip before getting back on with the action.