He made his debut at just 15 years 175 days for Southampton and arrived at Arsenal as the most expensive teenage footballer in British football.
At just 16 Theo Walcott was the next big superstar. The little man who would be a future Premier League and England star.
He even went to the 2006 World Cup with England, despite having not actually played for the Gunners senior side. However in the years that have followed he has struggled for fitness and form.
Regular
His biggest moment in football so far was undoubtedly his hattrick for England in the 4-1 victory over Croatia in 2008. When he scored that hattrick I couldn’t help thinking here we go he will now grab a regular place in the England side.
Here is the answer to all England’s problems on the flanks. The lad has all the attributes of a top winger. However since that game he’s been an enigma. At just 20 he’s in danger of becoming England’s forgotten man. He was even demoted to the England under-21 squad for the European Championships, which did him more harm than good.
This campaign has proved frustrating for the youngster. This has mainly been down to injuries. He has made just six starts for Arsenal. That’s a disappointing record for a player who could be a superstar in the making.
Personality
One of the key reasons I hope that Walcott’s potential isn’t wasted is his personality. This lad shows personality traits that put most of his England colleagues to shame. He is a quiet unassuming and intelligent person.
In these days of footballers being disgraced and all over the newspapers for their poor moral behaviour, this lad is a breath of fresh air. I keep using the word lad, as that’s all he is a youngster. That needs to be remembered. As mature as he seems he is still just 20 years of age.
He has a lot of development to go until he’s the finished product. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has done his best to protect the youngster against criticism. He has been in the public eye for a long time and people forget how young he is.
Product
When I have seen Walcott in recent months I’ve noticed that he’s suffering from the curse of the winger, the lack of end product. Lots of young English wingers have had this problem in recent years, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon spring to mind.
In my opinion Wright-Phillips still hasn’t addressed it. However Lennon has improved immensely with his delivery this season. With good management and practice in training Walcott can develop the end product to go with his blistering pace and skill.
I’m sure the Arsenal coaching staff is working closely with him to develop this side of his game. Arsene Wenger and his coaches are experts in developing young players. You only have to look at the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy to prove that.
Position
Another problem for Walcott is the fact that nobody seems to know his best position. He has played as a winger and also as a central striker. I see him as a pacey winger, capable of running at full-backs and crossing for the centre-forwards.
It seems that’s where Arsene Wenger sees his future also. I’d say he would benefit from playing in just one position. The games I’ve seen him play he’s been played as a winger and that’s where he should stay.
Loan
It seems like a strange thing to suggest but I believe Theo would benefit from a loan spell at a smaller Premier League club. There he would get regular first team football, if he could stay fit and would also be out of the public eye for awhile. It worked for Alex Song who spent a season at Charlton Athletic and it would benefit the youngster no end.
Future
I do believe with the right handling Walcott’s potential will be fulfilled and he will become a world-class winger in the future. Time is certainly on Walcott’s side and the fans will no doubt see the best of him in next few years.
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