Man City transfer news: Dani Alves v Kyle Walker – comparing Guardiola’s full back targets
With Dani Alves released from the remaining year of his Juventus contract, the Brazilian right-back appears Premier League-bound.
The ex-Barcelona defender is strongly linked with a move to play under his old Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, at Manchester City.
But what about Tottenham defender Kyle Walker?
The England man has been linked with a move to the Etihad for much of this year, while Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in recruiting Walker after the retirement of captain Philipp Lahm.
Guardiola could end up with both defenders at his disposal, but how do they compare and who is likely to get the nod as the regular starter?
Style of play
In a nutshell the two full-backs are similar - both highly attack-minded defenders who have proved to be up there with the best in the world at what they do.
At 34 years of age, Alves is the elder player but he has proved over the years how reliable, consistent and important he can be - particularly at Barcelona.
In his solitary season at Juventus the Brazilian showed he still had what it takes to perform at the very top level, helping the Turin side to the Serie A title, Coppa Italia victory and a Champions League final.
All of that was achieved despite suffering a broken leg in November and, if any further praise was needed for Alves, Barcelona are still struggling to find a replacement after allowing him to leave on a free transfer.
Kyle Walker, who is seven years younger than the Brazilian, has emerged as one of the Premier League's best right-backs.
His lung-busting runs down the flank for Tottenham are a vital component in the way Mauricio Pochettino’s team play as they look to stretch the opposition.
Equally adept as a wing-back, Walker has been a regular starter at Tottenham since 2011 - though he did suffer a late-season dip in form last year and was replaced occasionally by Kieran Trippier.
Who’s got more medals on the mantelpiece?
While the two defenders are very similar, in terms of style, when it comes to honours there is no contest.
Alves has a host of trophies to his name - six LaLiga titles, five Copa Del Reys, five Spanish Super Cups, three Champions Leagues, two UEFA Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, three Club World Cups, one Serie A title and one Coppa Italia.
To save you counting, that’s 30 club trophies.
Meanwhile, Walker did win the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2012, so that’s something to shout about.
So when it comes down to out-and-out winners - Alves is on top by a mile.
If both players join City, who gets the nod?
Should Alves and Walker end up in Manchester, Guardiola might be inclined to select the younger man more often.
Walker has proved himself as one of the Premier League’s best in his position and could hold down the City right-back spot for a number of years if he moves north.
Guardiola could easily turn Manchester City into winners - that’s what he was brought in to do after all - and while Walker may not have the honours to match Alves at the moment, that could change.
However, Alves’ experience will prove valuable on the pitch, and in the dressing room, and he would certainly play his part at the club.