Manchester City 's Kyle Walker is in dreamland playing with Sergio Aguero because it was a “nightmare” having to face the ace goal-poacher.
Full-back Walker used to dread trying to shackle Aguero for Tottenham.
The Blues' striker has bagged 10 career goals in games against Spurs and he's netted seven in seven appearances this season, to leave him just one away from equalling Eric Brook’s club record tally of 177.
And Walker is relieved he longer has to worry about trying to stop the Argentinian hitman following his £50million summer switch from north London to Manchester.
“To play against, he’s a nightmare,” said the England defender ahead of only his fifth Champions League appearance — Tuesday's home game against Shakhtar Donetsk. “Facing him numerous seasons, he always seemed to score against us.
“It was frustrating. So having him on the same team is a big bonus.
“Listen, he’s a quality player. You can see what he’s done in the Premier League. Around the dressing room, it helps the younger lads. You can lean on him and he gives us advice.
“If things aren’t going well, he is the kind of player who can produce that bit of magic and put us one goal up or back into the game.”
Walker has been struck by Aguero’s authority in the dressing room and says the former Atletico Madrid star demands the best from his team-mates.
“On the field, he’s no different to what I imagined,” said the right-back.
“You can see what a good player he is. Off the field, he is a little bit quieter than I thought, but his presence around the place gives off the vibe of winning.
“He has got a winning mentality and he wants the best from his team-mates, as we all do from each other. Anything below par, I think he will be one of the first to say come on this isn’t right, let’s pick it up. Luckily, he hasn’t had to have a word with us so far.”
After harshly being sent off on his home debut for City, Walker has settled into the Blues’ defence and is relishing his licence to get forward.
Manager Pep Guardiola wants him to push forward into midfield when City are in possession and he says this suits his game.
Walker is learning every day under Guardiola and believes the Catalan will help him take his game to a new level.
“I think that was one of the big reasons for signing here was that the gaffer likes to play the way I like to play with attacking full-backs,” said the Yorkshireman. “The standard of full-backs here as well, it’s very hard. He’s improving me as a player.
“I need to keep training hard, keep working on the things I need to improve on so I get that sharpness.
“It’s a good dressing room to be around.
“We all expect high standards from each other. We need to keep working hard and doing what the gaffer says, keep attacking and offering that outlet for the midfielders and creating space.”