Today the enigma we know as Theo Walcott turns 23.
The man divides opinion amongst Arsenal fans from Philly to Frankfurt. The only thing that can be agreed upon is that this fleet-footed footballer strikes fear into foes with his forays forward.
Many love to criticize his decision-making and I for one am guilty of it on more than one occasion. His errant passes, and crosses to no one have driven me up a wall, leaving me wishing he would read the game better and see the pass we can all see from our cozy recliners.
This frustration, albeit warranted, is part of the problem that stems from expectations. Theo turns 23 today, TWENTY-THREE! Since joining in 2006 Theo has made 212 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 44 goals and 40 assists. Pretty good for a one trick pony, eh?
Walcott hasn’t done himself any favors by taking the number 14 shirt and making the comparisons himself with Thierry. Just like with Diaby and Viera people want to compare because of stature and position when truly the two players are nowhere near the same. People compare him to the Ox and say he’s rubbish because of the potential they see in Alex, but they are apples and oranges. The Ox will be the most influential English player since the emergence of Rooney, he’s that good, but of a different breed than Walcott.
Theo will never be an Henry, nor what the Ox has the potential to be, and that’s fine. He could be like the Michael Owen he grew up watching, it’s up to him. Thierry came to Arsenal at 23 and it can be argued that Theo has done more by the same age. The key is to play to his strengths. He needs to use his pace, play off the shoulder of the last defender, bomb down the line and get those crosses in. Maximize the natural talents and ability that he has to become as effective a footballer as he can be.
We have seen his penchant for scoring in big games. This season Theo has scored in the following matches: Udinese (A), Udinese (H), United (A), Chelsea (A), and Spurs (H). Four of those matches were vitally important in our season. We would not even have qualified for the Champions’ League group stages without Theo scoring.
What would an English player with 200 matches, 40+ goals at the age of 23 cost Arsenal in today’s market? King Kenny would pay £40m for that kind of English talent based on his recent buys, that is if he were willing to replace the current token at LFC, Glen Johnson. Doubt me? Have a look at their squad.
But honestly, Arsenal couldn’t(wouldn’t) afford to buy Theo as he would fetch at least £20m and last time i checked, we don’t spend that kind of money, which makes keeping him all the more of a priority.
Perhaps YOU don’t think he is worth what he will ask for. Stay or go, £100k a week or £60k, your ticket price will not be going down.
Theo Walcott has a little over one year left on his contract. He wears the Arsenal shirt with class, determination, and improving skill. Support him before he also moves on and before he reaches his full potential and yet another club reaps the benefits.
Sign him up, Arsene.