Everton announced the signing of Theo Walcott yesterday, and Jamie Redknapp believes Liverpool helped…
Everton snapped up Walcott from Arsenal yesterday, in a deal which was worth £20 million.
The England international forward has signed a three and a half year deal at Goodison Park.
And Redknapp claims that seeing his former teammate, Oxlade-Chamberlain, thrive at Anfield may have convinced Walcott that moving to Everton was the correct decision.
“Theo Walcott has probably looked at his former team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and seen how much his career has benefited from leaving Arsenal for Liverpool,” Redknapp said.
“This is a great opportunity to get away from his Arsenal comfort zone. To elevate his career once more, he needs to put himself under pressure and that is what he is doing by moving to Everton.
“He will need to get fitter and stronger but he is a very talented player who can play as a striker or out wide. Everton have always had good wingers with pace and he can do well there. Walcott knows he has got to get his career back on track and that is why he has made this move.”
Walcott is expected to have a key role to play at Everton, although it is not yet clear whether Sam Allardyce’s plans to use the forward.
Walcott could be utilised as a number nine by Everton, or he could be played down the right-wing.
Everton have struggled going forward in recent weeks, with the Toffees barely creating a chance in their last few matches.
Walcott could now make his debut for Everton when they take on West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.
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