Come the opening day of the season, we are likely to face Liverpool without a seasoned striker – Danny Welbeck is sidelined and Olivier Giroud is being rested, while Takuma Asano and Yaya Sanogo are unlikely to be trusted.
Many predict a wide player will be shifted up there, and based on his performance against MLS all-stars, it should be none other than Theo Walcott.
It’s easy to look at the highlights and rue his missed chances, but half of the game is getting into those positions in the first place.
Throughout the first half he gave the centre backs a torrid time with his movement and pace (yes, he is still rapid!) as Jack Wilshere and co. put in through balls behind the defence. One could only imagine what Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and others could do in the same situation.
Liverpool are a dynamic team under Jurgen Klopp, and will not sit back at the Emirates. This will provide Walcott with plenty of opportunities to pin back their slower centre backs.
We also must remember Walcott’s contribution last season – winners against Man City, Stoke, the vital equaliser against Leicester and a man of the match performance against Man United. This is an important season for him, but he looks hungry, and must be given the chance to show his prowess.
