Wellington Phoenix have signed academy graduate Nathan Walker to a professional contract ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster New Zealand Derby.
Described as “one of Auckland’s brightest footballing talents”, the 18-year-old winger has penned a four-year contract with the Phoenix – the first two years of which are on scholarship terms.
It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do but especially towards the end of pre-season I started to realise that it definitely could happen.
“I’m just grateful. I can now really put my head down and get to work for the next four seasons so I’m really looking forward to it
Born and bred in Auckland, Walker added: “I’m sure my family would have loved for me to stay at home, but I think I’m at the right club so I’m happy.
“Everything down here I’m enjoying, from the football to the lifestyle.
The Phoenix welcome Auckland to Wellington in a top-of-the-table showdown in week three.
Last season’s Semi-Finalists the ‘Nix sit second with four points from two matches, while Steve Corica’s Auckland boast a 100% record.
Walks was thrown in the deep end and did very well against Western United and did well when he came on against Perth too,” said head coach Giancarlo Italiano of Walker.
“He’s very quick, he has good endurance and stamina and he’s dangerous with the forward runs he makes.
“Walks is playing as a wing-back at the moment because that’s the only width in our current formation, but that allows him to be a little bit more expressive because he’s got four defenders around him.
