Thoughts on Theo and win the new Arsenal home shirt
MY thoughts on Theo Walcott:
- It’s somewhat harsh on a player who delivered big time for Capello in Croatia.
- He is a player who can make a terrific impact from the bench in the big games. Witness Barcelona last season and Liverpool away in the Champions League a couple of years back. If England find themselves a goal down late on in the knock-out stages, then would be the time for Theo.
- But it is true his form has been poor of late. His decision making is poor and his game lacks cunning.
- It’s wrong as some suggest to say he has not improved at all over the past four years. There was a definite improvement in the season before last. But with all of last season’s injuries he struggled to get any momentum and at times fell back into his old sloppy ways.
- When Sven took him to Germany four years ago he wasn’t just completely inexperienced, he was bloody young too at just 17 and a couple of months. He’s now 21 and a couple of months, which is also very young. He has plenty of time.
- It’s all too easy to say that because he started playing football later than most kids do, his footballistic education has holes in it. But I think there some truth in it: at times he resembles more of an athlete playing football than a footballer. But that’s not to say he won’t become one – it may just take a little more time.
- Injuries allowing, I’ve little doubt he’ll be in the first post World Cup squad.
- Finally for today, your chance to win the new Arsenal shirt once it’s released from the good folks over at Soccerpro, sellers of all kinds of Arsenal shirts and other football gear.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell me who Theo Walcott scored his first Arsenal goal against. Answers to GOODPLAYABLOGremovethesecharacters@GMAIL.COM. Competition closes Monday 7th June. (If anyone saw the previous question, please ignore it. I got it wrong!)
I’m pretty sure we signed the player you are thinking about from Liverpool, not Southampton?
Quite right sir! Have changed the question. My mistake. Apologies.
Is the competition open to non-uk residents?
That late goal from fresh legs that might have come from Theo Walcott will look awfully good when Emile Heskey doesn’t come up with it.
It’s been 3 weeks Playa. What took you so long?
Stand up if you hate Barca!
It makes me laugh when people talking about Theo still refer to his hat-trick for England and ”that run” at Anfield. If he was really any good there would be a lot more than that to refer to by now. I hate to say it but what Chris Waddle said about him was absolutely spot on. I have nothing personal against Walcott I just think he is a very very ordinary footballer. Only his pace has got him where he is. I cannot believe we are paying such a limited player superstar wages. And if he wants the rewards of a big contract then he has to deal with the other side. Which means the pressure to deliver and to perform on a regular basis. So none of this ”he is only 21” stuff washes with me. You cannot have it both ways. If you accept the big boys money you cannot then play the ”Im still young and learning” game. To be fair Theo hasnt said that himself, others do. But he did sign the contract. Anyway at least next season his priority might be Arsenal as there is no world cup at the end of it.
this may be the kick in the rear that he needs. hopefully he’s really pissed off and dedicates himself to improving for arsenal over the next year.
Anyone know whenthe new kit is due to be released?
I agree with what what GoonerPig said. Theo has had 4 YEARS to cut it now and he only does it 5-10% of the time.
Next season make or break for Theo – he simply has to play well week in week out or surely its offski. Agree that
being dropped from the England squad could do him good – he needs to add some edge and anger to his make up. I really hope he delivers.
In my opinion the 433 doesn’t suit him, He’s really a number 10 who should be playing off a striker. As a winger he’s only got the speed card to get past defenders and his crossing is erratic. Also he likes a bit of space to use his speed and having the LB and the CB and often a DM and LM around him have restricted him massively. Having said that, the speed card worked for owen, Also training for AW his touch will get better. He’s only 21 and I think he’ll do a song and breakthrough in the next season, injuries permitting (and a bit of protection from the referees!). A bit of confidence will make a world of difference to him (and eduardo).
The press are saying the same things about him as they did about lennon a few years back….
Just Needed to point out that this post has got some very good info….i dont entirely agree with every thing that is stipulated..and would like to hear some other points of view on the matter
stand up to liverpool on sunday