Walker 'one of greatest full-backs ever' - where does he rank?

Cafu. Philipp Lahm. Paolo Maldini. Roberto Carlos. Kyle Walker?

It is among such esteemed company that Pep Guardiola suggested the former Manchester City player belongs when he spoke to the media before Walker's return to Etihad Stadium with new club Burnley on Saturday.

For fans watching on as the hosts look to hoist themselves up from mid-table against their newly promoted Lancashire neighbours, Walker's return will prompt fond memories of the six Premier League titles City won during his time at the club.

But were his contributions to a golden era enough to earn him a place among these generational legends?

Guardiola thinks so.

"Absolutely, one of the greatest full-backs ever," he said. "I slept like a baby before games with Kyle there.

"He can handle top, top-class wingers in the world."

In a lavish press conference tribute, Guardiola did not limit his purring to Walker's defensive capability. His consistency, injury record, quality of pass and dressing room leadership were all mentioned as the manager dubbed Walker "the right-back that defined our time here".

In Walker's time, the Manchester club won 15 major honours, including a Champions League and two FA Cups.

Walker was also a key player in Gareth Southgate's England team, helping the Three Lions to successive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024, selected in both of Uefa's teams of the tournament and named his country's vice-captain for the latter.

None of this, though, was enough to keep Walker in the favour of current England manager Thomas Tuchel, who opted not to name the 35-year-old in his most recent squad after Walker's last start in an England shirt ended in a shock 3-1 loss to Senegal in June.

Walker's new club manager Scott Parker is convinced that the strong performances the defender has been putting in at Burnley have the power to change Tuchel's mind.

"I have no doubt he can force his way and be in and around the England squad," said Parker. "His last performance for us, he was the best out there, I thought he was absolutely immense.

"He's been massive for us, his experience and his quality as well. We always seem to revert back to Kyle and we speak about his experience, but I think his quality is something that we've all seen in a short period of time."

Influential for his country, game-changing for Premier League newcomers, but how will Walker's legacy compare to some of the greats of the past 30 years?

The epitome of a one-club man, Maldini spent his entire career with AC Milan, who retired his number three shirt when he stopped playing aged 41 after 901 appearances. Nicknamed Il Capitano, he wore the armband for both club and country.

Maldini was naturally a left-back but also looked world class in the centre of defence. His ability to read the game and avoid rash challenges allowed him to play until 41.

A buccaneering left-back for club and country, Barcelona and Spain star Alba had electric pace and impeccable timing. Scored a wonderful goal in the final of Euro 2012 and was a fixture at the top of the game for a decade.

A galactico for Real Madrid and scorer of an iconic free-kick for his country at Le Tournoi in 1997, Roberto Carlos was a household name the world over. No mean feat for a full-back. His attacking play and dynamism allowed Brazil and Real Madrid to become dominant forces.

A key player for Real Madrid over 16 trophy-laden seasons, Marcelo carried on Roberto Carlos' traditions. Not as explosive or spectacular, but a fine athlete and terrific passer of the ball.

The mirror of Roberto Carlos on the right, Cafu rewrote the rule books on being a right-back. Captained the Brazil team which won the World Cup in 2002 and is the Selecao's most-capped player of all time. Won Serie A with Roma and Milan.

A cultured, clever player who scored a fantastic goal in France's run to winning the 1998 World Cup on home soil. Reliable at the back and decisive in attack, he was a fabulous player in a very good Bayern side.

Ahead of his time perhaps, Zanetti could tuck into midfield or bomb down the right and starred for Inter for a ridiculous 19 years, playing with Paul Ince in his first season and Mateo Kovacic in his last. Scored an excellent goal against England in the 1998 World Cup.

Cole was a key part of the Arsenal 'Invincibles' side who won the 2003-04 league title without losing a game, but he fell foul of Gunners fans when opting to move across the capital to Chelsea. He was rarely beaten in one-on-one situations and would relentlessly charge up and down the flank to offer support in attack.

Like Zanetti, Lahm was another highly adaptable and intelligent player. He spent the majority of his career as a reliable full-back, world class on either flank, but slotted seamlessly into midfield under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

Part of the famous Class of '92, Neville enjoyed the kind of career most dream of by representing his hometown club and helping Manchester United to enjoy a golden era. Neville was not the most eye-catching right-back, but his discipline and willingness to always overlap good friend David Beckham made him a favourite for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Thuram is best remembered for scoring both goals in France's 2-1 win over Croatia in the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup. He is the second-most capped player in France's history.

Another trusted figure during the Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United, Evra had the best years of his career at Manchester United. He possessed the perfect blend of intelligence, athleticism, skill and strength to excel at full-back.