CARSON, Calif. – Everything is about preparation for the LA Galaxy’s Kenney Walker, despite the fact he’s into his fourth year of it.
The former University of Louisville standout arrived in Southern California as a second-round selection (38th overall) in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. He has exactly eight appearances, including four starts – all in 2014 -- since then. In the previous two seasons combined he played in just one game.
But the 26-year-old said he’s never been discouraged. He is particularly hopeful of getting a chance this season after veteran midfielder Marcelo Sarvas was traded to the Colorado Rapids. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder will approach the game the same as ever – work as hard as possible and provide another midfield option for Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena.
“For me, it’s a big season,” Walker said after playing the entire second half of Friday’s scrimmage against the Seattle Sounders, a 2-1 Galaxy victory. “Obviously we lost a big-time player in Marcelo and that hole has to be filled. And (Liverpool legend Steven) Gerrard is coming in July.
“We have six months until July. I would like that starting spot, and it’s a constant battle between the players here.
“It’s a good environment to be in, with everybody pushing each other. That’s what you want in soccer. Whoever steps on the field will be best for the team.”
Walker has proven to be effective when he has gotten a chance, and Arena sounded confident in what he has to offer. But the Galaxy coach also cautioned he’s looking for more.
“He’s been with us for four years and we know him well,” Arena said.
“We need depth at that position at the midfield, and he’s got to be a little bit more prepared then ever before as he continues to grow as a player.”
Walker said he’s benefitted from the tutelage of three Galaxy standouts – David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane – since he joined the team.
Beckham, Walker said, “came every day to play his hardest.”
“Just watching him play, how he moved and created space for himself was a treat that any player would like to have,” Walker praised.
Donovan, who retired at the conclusion of the 2014 season, showed Walker he didn’t have to be flashy to succeed.
“His effectiveness as he stayed within himself, learning from that and how well he did is something I can use,” Walker said.
He called Keane a “true professional” who expects nothing but maximum effort.
“He’s one of the most competitive people on the team,” Walker said.
“Every day he wants the best from you and he expects it. And he expects the best from himself. To have somebody like that every day pushes you to the next level.”
Whether that means he will be pushed into more playing time remains to be seen. But that’s definitely his main goal as the regular season approaches.
“I’m out here every day pushing myself, a little bit harder now,” Walker said. “It’s not like if I don’t play this year my career is done. Just keep my head positive looking for opportunities, and when they come taking them and not wasting them away.
“I want to get out there and showcase myself and let these guys know I can play.”
