Walcott not worried by Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott says he does not feel under pressure for his place due to the emergence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal for an initial fee of approximately 12 million pounds from Southampton in August 2011.

Southampton youth product Walcott made the same switch in 2006, and comparisons have been drawn between the two pacy wide men.

But Walcott, who is enjoying arguably his best season to date at the Emirates Stadium, claims he does not see 18-year-old Chamberlain as direct competition for his place.

“Alex is a good lad and we get on very well,” Walcott said.

“He gets on with his job and he is learning the game. But we are totally different players, to be honest.

“He’s told me that he’s an attacking midfield player, that he likes to play just behind the striker in that free role. And I can see that because he’s very powerful when he gets the ball.

“It’s always great to have competition. You want to play well, you want the team to play well and to have other players around keeps you on your toes.”

Walcott also praised Arsenal captain and English Premier League top-scorer Robin Van Persie.

The Dutchman is enjoying his best-ever campaign with Arsenal, and Walcott knows he needs to become more consistent if he is to match up to Van Persie’s high standards.

“I’ve had quite a few assists, around 12 or 13, this season,” he said.

“And I think the players appreciate me more now and the manager as well. But you want to have that consistency. I’ve had it in patches.

“Robin is absolutely world class. It’s nice for him to appreciate me and what I do for him.

“I look up to him – he’s my captain and a good friend. I love playing with him because he makes my job so much easier.”