Reflecting On Theo

In the summer of 2006, a 17 year old Theo Walcott had the world at his feet. He got his dream move to Arsenal and sparked controversy by getting a surprise call up to the English World Cup squad, even though he did not make a single Premier League appearance. He gained vital experience from the World Cup in Germany, which would come to serve him well in the next few years. However it hasn’t been plain sailing for Theo Walcott since that extraordinary year, as he has had to face; injuries; abuse from his own fans; and a lot of media pressure.

On the 16th March 1989, A new star was to be born. At the age of 11, Walcott scored 100 goals in one season- yes,100 goals – Unsurprisingly, a lot of professional clubs were informed about the already speed merchant, as what we all know him as today. Theo was later to join the promising Southampton academy, who consisted of well known players of today, including: the Welsh galactico Gareth Bale, Liverpool’s Adam Lallana and Swansea City’s Nathan Dyer.

At the age of 16, Theo became the youngest ever Southampton player to make an appearance in the first team,against Wolves. Theo got his first senior start against Leeds United on the 18th October 2005. To Theo’s delight he managed to score his first goal for Southampton. Four days later, Theo showed his intelligence and awareness to intercept a back pass; take the ball around the keeper and cutely slot the ball into the back of the net. This is when it came to everyone’s attention, that this boy from no-where is special and could possibly be part of England’s future. It caught a certain man’s attention, a man who led a team,who went a whole season unbeaten, a man who won the double in his second year of English football. Yes you guessed it Arsene Wenger.

However,Arsenal was not the only club chasing his signature: Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United were also showing interest. Real Madrid the Galaticos, who had David Beckham, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane were interested in a 16 year old boy, from London, who had only played a handful of games. This showed that Walcott had a special talent, he was a breath of fresh air, different – unlike other English youngsters! There was one thing that was obvious about Walcott that separated his ability from the others,and that was his blistering pace. His pace scared defenders and this was why he stood out. On the 20th January Theo Walcott signed for the three time Premier League winners Arsenal.

Unfortunately for Theo, he did not make a single premier league appearance during the 2005/2006 campaign. This was to be overshadowed though, possibly the most astonishing and surprising news fled across England. Theo Walcott, a man without a single Premier league appearance, had been called up to the World Cup squad. Being called up to play in a World Cup wasn’t only a benefit for Walcott… This was also a benefit for Arsenal. The experience he gained from the World Cup allowed him to excel and make a difference the season after. Theo Walcott became the youngest ever player for England after making his first appearance against Hungary. Theo Walcott did not get to play in the world cup and that was heartbreaking for him. The media questioned Sven-Goran Eriksson’s decision. However, he defended his choice by saying Theo would have gained a lot of experience for future tournaments.

Arguably the quickest player in the premier league and the top 5 leagues from around Europe, Theo Walcott is a vital player for both England and Arsenal. His performances do not only make him a better player, but also influences players around him positively. One player for example is Mesut Ozil, who is currently at Arsenal. The reason why Walcott makes Ozil a better player is due to his Cheetah-like-pace. This makes a defensive line play deeper, as they are frightened and do not want Walcott running side to side with a full-back (Which is inevitable if teams play a high line). If the defensive line plays deeper this means that there is more space between the defence and midfield . This is exactly where Mesut Ozil operates. Creating more space for Mesut Ozil means he is given more time to make a pinpoint pass to an on-going runner. This is one reason why I think Ozil’s form dropped at the back end of last season, as there was not enough pace in the team. Walcott also helps defensively. No, I do not mean by tackling and marking, I mean him attacking helps the team defensively. The reason for this is because the opposing team who is attacking, usually have modern full backs bombing up the wings to support wingers and/or strikers, however with Walcott in the team the full-back may be against this as they will be exposed, leaving Walcott to exploit his pace. This helps the team defensively as there is less players pressuring the back four and midfield. This is why Walcott is such a huge asset for club and country, with his presence he can dictate whether his team win the match or not

However, Walcott is not the perfect player,his style of play is obvious and can easily be defended if it is spotted. Another, is that he is indecisive and can make the wrong decision resulting in the team losing 1 or 3 points. Walcott’s inconsistency is another part of his game that needs improving; one week he is scoring a hattrick against an in-form Newcastle side,then he barely gets a touch against Southampton at St Mary’s the week after, ultimately this is what separates a top player from a great player, consistency is key as a footballer and if Walcott wants to be a great player, then consistency is required.

Overall, Theo Walcott has the potential to be a great player, one of the greatest? Now I can tell you he won’t be! However he is so crucial for a team winning or losing a game. Pep Guardiola the man who mastered Tiki-Taka said” Only a pistol will be able to stop him” this shows the incredible pace Walcott possesses, if possibly the best manager in the world says your a threat, then you are special. If Walcott can use his pace to good effect,he can be one of the most threatening and lethal players in the Premier League, as he has phenomenal composure in-front of the goal. And maybe one day, Theo Walcott can be Arsenal’s starting striker, but for now it does not look likely. In my opinion, I do not believe Walcott has the physical build for a striker, Wenger has just signed Danny Welbeck, if Walcott plays upfront and Welbeck does not, this can possibly harm Welbeck’s growth. Theo Walcott is a very humble player, meaning if he follows in the right foot steps, he can truly become an Arsenal legend.