Trevor Smith backs Walcott to thrive at Everton

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The former winger knows a thing or two about scoring for Everton and is a long-term admirer of Walcott’s game.

Everton legend Trevor Steven, 54, has backed January arrival Theo Walcott to thrive at Goodison Park in an interview with the club’s official website, citing the England forward’s arrival as a real coup for his former team.

Steven, who played for the Toffees between 1983 and 1989, is familiar with scoring goals from wide areas for the Merseyside club, having notched a half century of goals across 210 league appearances during his Everton career.

Walcott, who has two goals in four games for his new side so far, made the switch away from the Emirates in the hope of reigniting a stagnating career, having fallen down the pecking order in Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal squad.

Despite this, the 28-year-old can still hold his head high, having left London with an impressive tally of 108 goals in 397 Gunners appearances, and he could play a vital role in Everton’s success in the coming seasons.

A long-time admirer of Walcott’s game, Steven highlighted the former Gunner’s pace and versatility as major assets to Sam Allardyce. The 54-year-old believes Walcott has the ability to change a game on his own and is impressed by his natural ability to play both on the flank and centrally.

Speaking to the official Everton website, Steven said: “To get a player of his calibre in January would have lifted everybody – because of his quality and great reputation.

“People in the dressing room knew he could do it in the Premier League. He is proven. That lifts spirits as well.

“Then, when you see the attitude and talent he has – and he comes across as a very nice lad – he will be readily accepted in the dressing room.

“It is always nice to be wanted – and Sam Allardyce clearly wanted him. He is in a fresh environment and has a position to play.”

With the likes of Wayne Rooney and Walcott now on hand to lead the squad forward, their reputation and experience as genuine winners at the highest level will no doubt rub off on the rest of Everton’s squad.

Both players will be hopeful of emulating the likes of Steven, who enjoyed a trophy-laden Goodison Park career which featured eight trophies, including two league titles and a UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup.

With Everton making the trip to Watford in Saturday’s late kick-off, Walcott will be hoping to add to his tally as his side look to bypass Leicester City and Burnley to claim seventh place.