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.
Walker graduates into the professional ranks, having made his debut in Round 1 of the Isuzu UTE A-League season.
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“Every kid dreams of it, but now that it’s actually happening it’s pretty surreal,” said Walker, who came off the bench against Perth Glory in Round 2 last week, heading into Saturday’s historic derby at Sky Stadium.
“I always thought becoming a pro footballer was possible. My father (Brooke Walker) played for New Zealand in cricket, and he’s always been very supportive and told me to just go for it while I’m young and I’ve got the chance.
“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.
“I’ve got a lot of mates back home obviously and my family’s in Auckland, but they’ve all chosen to support the right team so I’m happy with that. It’s the right place for me now.”
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.
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“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.
“I could see him being a potential winger, a 10 or even a nine for the Phoenix, so he’s another player with plenty of upside.”
