Why Walker should be on shortlist to eventually replace Barca’s Alves

Martin Keown has put forward Kyle Walker’s name as a possible replacement for Theo Walcott on the right of England’s midfield after the Arsenal man was ruled out of the summer’s World Cup by injury.

Although this may make England more solid from a defensive standpoint to have a recognised full-back in midfield, it is surely not the answer, with Aaron Lennon, James Milner and Adam Lallana among the more worthy candidates.

Walker may not be a suitable candidate to stand in for Walcott, but a better case can certainly be made as to why he could be considered a long-term replacement for Dani Alves at Barcelona.

Despite having signed a new contract in October to tie him to Tottenham until 2019, Walker has been linked with a move abroad in recent days.

Monaco are one club interested, while PSG are also on the lookout for a right-back, with Christophe Jallet out for an expected two months after undergoing surgery on his back.

Walker is arguably Tottenham’s biggest attacking influence, having made more passes than any of his clubmates and creating the most chances this season in the Spurs ranks.

In Alves, Barcelona arguably have the most attacking right-back in world football, often spending more time in the opposing penalty box than his own.

However, the Brazilian is now aged 30 and out of contract in 2015. It may be time for Barca to start seriously considering who will replace him in the longer term.

Martin Montoya clearly has potential and has done little wrong when called upon this season, but two chances created in nine appearances is not overly impressive for a Barcelona defender.

Alves is on 17, but even this falls far short of Walker’s 27 and with the Tottenham man largely matching Alves this season in terms of his defensive actions, alongside being seven years younger, he should at least make the shortlist of possible Nou Camp signings in the coming years.