CARSON, Calif. – Kenney Walker has the type of tools that could make him a successful midfielder in MLS, but for him to develop, he knows that he needs games to refine his skills.
In the latest Galaxy Year in Review, I evaluate Walker's 2013 season. A year after making four appearances in his rookie season, Walker made just a single appearance for the Galaxy as he started in LA’s U.S. Open Cup defeat to the Carolina RailHawks. In pursuit of minutes, Walker was sent to train in Sweden with Hammarby before heading on loan to Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and the RailHawks.
Walker was an integral part of the RailHawks’ fall season campaign as he started 10 of his 11 appearances while tallying an assist for Carolina.
“I got to meet a whole new team again and I was able to work my way into it,” said Walker who admitted to getting some shtick for LA’s U.S. Open Cup defeat to Carolina. It was good to get minutes consistency and play in games outside of practice or reserve league where everything means something. The team there, we pushed each other every day. Getting out and playing games is a lot different than just coming out and training for more than an hour each day.
“The biggest part of the offseason is keeping that [mentality], staying fit and coming back ready to play,” added Walker. “I just need to keep my fitness together, keeping my weight down and just keeping my head on straight so I can just focus on what I need to do day in and day out to help the team.”
As Walker continues his development, the midfielder is adamant that he can make an impact for the Galaxy in 2014.
“This is the best team in the league, it doesn’t matter what the results say because player wise, club wise, it’s the best team and everyone wants to be here,” said Walker. “I definitely want to be here and I want to push myself to be the best and this is the best place to be it. I feel like that I can contribute to the team and have a big impact if I can get consistent minutes.”
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