The England forward epitomises the shortcomings of Arsene Wenger’s squad. Will he ever blossom into a world class player?
Pace is Theo Walcott’s greatest asset.
If you are asked to list any other of Walcotts attributes that sets him apart as a top player, you will come up short.
He is in essence a typical Wenger signing.
Signed as a teenager, check.
Under six foot, check.
Lack of aggression, check.
Inconsistent, check.
Flashes of brilliance, check.
This last one is the most concerning to Arsenal fans.
Theo has been at the club since 2006, and yet despite starting nearly every game, his excellence is an rarity in a glut of average showings.
One of the biggest problems is finding his best position.
Where is it? Right midfield, right wing, or centre forward.
There are drawbacks to playing Walcott in either of these, whether it be his perceived ‘lack of footballing brain’ as quoted Chris Waddle, or his lack of height.
His last two performances, against Tottenham and Sunderland, he was drifting between centre forward and right wing, and on each occasion was totally anonymous, save for the odd moment of poor control.
He again displayed zero chemistry with Arsenal’s one superstar Robin van Persie.
Walcott arrived at a time when his idol Thierry Henry was at the club. He was touted as the next big thing and tipped to follow the Frenchman into the Arsenal history books.
The Walcott years, 2006-2011 so far, are a chapter in history Gooners would rather forget.
There is a new ‘new big thing’ ready to take Walcott’s place.
The exciting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is raring to go, and can displace Theo for Arsenal and England.
This season could be Walcott’s most important yet, and so far he has continued to be one big disappointment.
Its not too late to turn it around, but the clock is ticking.
He is not a young star any more, but supposedly an established one. So he must play like it.
Image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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