Theo Walcott

Has the stick he's been getting justofied? A lot of expectation was heaped on him as a 16 yr old when he was selected to go to the world cup. This season he#s been the butt of much of arsenal's jekyl and hyde season. But look at his stats. He has the highest assist (or is it second) in the EPL, Arsenal's second top scorer with 8 goals. And he's being played out of position throughout his Arsenal career. He is not a winger. Does anyone thing Rooney would be effective as a winger?

I rate Theo highly.

Thoughts?

I've made the point before than had he been developed for the past 6 years as a striker you'd probably have a better player. Just imagine Michael Owen playing wide for 6 years after the 2006 World Cup.

No doubt most people will come on here and slate him but most probably don't watch that much football and/ or know about playing the game and are 'brainwashed' my the media. Many pundits/ writers/ fans seem to have a problem with Walcott non-football rated as for most he can't do anything right. Maybe it is because he comes from a black middle class family (similar to Lewis Hamilton) or maybe it's because the media didn't predict him getting in the England squad in 2010.

The facts are only Nani, David Silva and Ashley Young had had more assists than in 2011 and Young is the only Englsih player with more assists than him since the last World Cup.

Personally i don't think he has developed his game much from when he was at Southampton. His speed is phenomanal, but close that avenue off and he dosn't know what to do, his crossing is poor, he keeps his head down to often so dosn't see the better option.

But do agree with sportsville's point that he should have been used as a striker. By putting him there you use his strengths, and cut down his negertives.

I do think he's a good player, the issue is he could have been a great player, perhaps he still could. Athletically he's clearly a very strong player, he's quick, he can keep the ball at his feet and despite his size isn't pushed off of the ball too easily. A lot feel that with the raw potential there, Walcott could have improved a lot more than he has yet, where it seems every season will be his 'break out' season.

I think it's probably a matter of people expecting too much from him, his potential could very well have already been fulfilled, playing out wide has also really stunted his development.

I personally think Theo has a lot of growing up to do, no longer can he rely on his 'potential' to get him off the hook for poor performances, personally I don't feel brainwashed by the media or feel this way because he is from a black middle class family (why would that have an impact on people evaluating his performances) it certainly hasn't done Lewis Hamilton any harm in fact he is one of the most respected and admired sports personalities in the country.

Granted Theo would probably be further a long in his career by now had he been used as an out and out striker and this would have helped develop his decision making ability or lack there of and IMO this is his biggest issue, far to many times he makes the wrong choice a pass when he should shoot etc etc. There is no doubt that he has natural ability, pace and enthusiasm, but he needs to work on the technical side of his game as do many young English men, if you look at the Spanish and the way they train their young players it's all about confidence in possession and using your brain to highlight an opening or potential opportunity and that's what our young players need to develop along with the typically English grit, determination and physicality.

Theo needs to step up and realise that now is the time to deliver and if that's as winger then so be it, if arsenal won't play him as a striker then maybe he needs to look else where if only for his own career and full filling what seamed unlimited potential 6 years ago.

Cant see Oxlade Chamberlain having this problem, think Walcott is pace and a bit of skill with not much else. Occassionally he has a very good game but is nowhere near as consistant as he should be. There are a few things you could put it down to i.e played out of position, pressure at young age etc etc, or it could be that he just isn't as good as we thought he once was. Still I don't want to bash him and to be fair he still is young so there is always hope he could be a late bloomer.

I think the blame for Walcott not fulfilling his promise lays solely at the feet of Wenger. He should've loaned him out after he first bought him or blood him in the first team. Not keep him out of action for months.

He needs clarity on what his position is, and again this lies with Wenger. When they signed him it was because of his pace and impressive goalscoring form for Southampton, yet he was stuck out on the wing when he did get a chance, and that's hindered him.

He's at the point now roughly where Henry was when Wenger signed him and i think next season is crucial, he either gets the chance up front or he'll never progress as a winger. He's basically in the same mould as Lennon on the wing. Pace, bit of skill but a shocking final ball and little much else. His biggest assest aside from his pace is his finishing and Arsenal should start exploiting it.

I would say already the Chamberlain > Walcott.

King Beer wrote:I would say already the Chamberlain > Walcott.

Walcott is appaling and again was shocking last night. Who ever disagrees with the above qoute needs to visit specsavers ASAP! I just can't believe how bad England's wingers are at delivering a final ball when it counts, the lack of technical ability is truly astonishing.

Its very like Jonas at Newcastle...he does brilliant to get in to the positions etc...but when the final product is required..ie a shot or a good cross..it is inevitably poor....

No End Product..

Having said that...i do believe Walcott should have been used as an out and out striker...which is strange as it was Wenger who turned Henry from a winger to out and out striker....maybe there is time yet...

Jonas' delivery has improved, my biggest problem with him is that he has no left foot!!!

Chamberlain is a great talent. He is Walcottt 2.0. Great pace, a footballing brain, an eye for a pace and a good delivery. Walcott has pace and decent finishing, not much else.

Theo is speed and finishing, nothing else. Hence why he can't/hasn't improved much at all since first signing when he should've come on leaps and bounds.

He has no vision, poor positioning, average movement, poor link-up play and tends to run like a headless chicken with blinkers on. Could see it against Milan the other night, his decision making when given time was awful. He is instinctive and performs well when all he has to do is bee-line it to goal and shoot, any more thinking that and he falls apart. And falls over.

Chamerblain is showing up his weaknesses perfectly and did so against Milan. Much more complete player and influenced the game masterfully. He really knows what he's doing when he gets on the ball and will have overtaken Theo within 2 years.

Ronaldo is a good barometer of how far short of world class Theo is. They were both bought around the same age (Ronaldo 17, Theo a couple of months shy) and in the same timeframe Ronaldo went on the be the best player in the world, Theo's improved about 10%.

You could compare any player (bar Messi) to Ronaldo and they will look pathetic though. Cristiano Ronaldo is pretty much the complete footballer in terms of what you would want.

It's not a case of looking pathetic, my point was more about development and Theo's lack of it. Ronaldo came in and was criticised as being a bit one-trick wonder with lots of pace and no end product but he developed his game.

I'm not expecting Theo to develop into the best in the world, but the way everyone was raving 5 years ago he should be and totally different player by now and among the top 10-15 forwards in the English game.

Many are saying that Wenger is stunting Theo's development. I dont see it that way. He plays him as a winger. Eventually he will play as an out and out striker where he will use his pace and skills developed as a wide player to be a better striker.

I dont compare him to Ox. 2 very different players. Its like comparing Owen to Ox. I compare Theo to Owen. Theo has great finishing skills which you want from a striker. That added with the composure he has developed playing in the wing will add to his game. I believe Wenger will play him as a striker next season. I expect him then to get 15-20 goals. When on form he is unplayable. Look at how he destroyed Barca.

Similarly Wenger played Henry as a winger when he started off and eventually moved him centre. The same will happen to Theo. Not that he will be as good as Henry. But he will be very effective.

I honestly can't believe the love for Walcott on here.

He's making my "Over rated premiership 11" for sure. I've been harping on at my mate (an Arsenal fan) for the last 3 years about how hopeless he is and he's finally coming around. Zero end product (seriously we are talking sunday league Dudley division Tesco's reserve quality delivery), goes missing for most of most matches, can't head, can't shot, can't pass, doesn't dribble past players, he doesn't even read the game well....the one and only thing he has is pace....that quite literally is it. But what he does tend to do is score a hat rick and look great once every 50 matches so Arsenal/England fans still believe he's a top, top player. Theo Walcott I salute you, you've managed to con most of the footballing world you’re a top level footballer LOL!

Would disagree with the "can't shoot" part, I think he's an excellent instinctive finisher (key word - instinctive - falls about when he has time to think), agree with much of the rest though.

Small Time wrote:I honestly can't believe the love for Walcott on here.

He's making my "Over rated premiership 11" for sure. I've been harping on at my mate (an Arsenal fan) for the last 3 years about how hopeless he is and he's finally coming around. Zero end product (seriously we are talking sunday league Dudley division Tesco's reserve quality delivery), goes missing for most of most matches, can't head, can't shot, can't pass, doesn't dribble past players, he doesn't even read the game well....the one and only thing he has is pace....that quite literally is it. But what he does tend to do is score a hat rick and look great once every 50 matches so Arsenal/England fans still believe he's a top, top player. Theo Walcott I salute you, you've managed to con most of the footballing world you’re a top level footballer LOL!

Couldnt agree more and yes he was living off that hattrick in croatia for years and now he's living off that quickfire double vs Spurs. Truly awful player with no technical ability whatsoever. The people who disagree with this are totally delusional and dont understand football. I cant believe debates like this continue to rumble on. Pathetic support for Walcott on here and you call yourselves knowledgable football fans....Get real!

im one of the few people, who actually rates theo walcott.

i think the Ox isn't far off and will be a better player than theo as he is stronger, has a better delivery and can finish well, not that theo can't its just imo he doesnt do it enough.
Perhaps that night in croatia was a curse for him, he was fantastic that night.

John wrote:

Small Time wrote:I honestly can't believe the love for Walcott on here.

He's making my "Over rated premiership 11" for sure. I've been harping on at my mate (an Arsenal fan) for the last 3 years about how hopeless he is and he's finally coming around. Zero end product (seriously we are talking sunday league Dudley division Tesco's reserve quality delivery), goes missing for most of most matches, can't head, can't shot, can't pass, doesn't dribble past players, he doesn't even read the game well....the one and only thing he has is pace....that quite literally is it. But what he does tend to do is score a hat rick and look great once every 50 matches so Arsenal/England fans still believe he's a top, top player. Theo Walcott I salute you, you've managed to con most of the footballing world you’re a top level footballer LOL!

Couldnt agree more and yes he was living off that hattrick in croatia for years and now he's living off that quickfire double vs Spurs. Truly awful player with no technical ability whatsoever. The people who disagree with this are totally delusional and dont understand football. I cant believe debates like this continue to rumble on. Pathetic support for Walcott on here and you call yourselves knowledgable football fans....Get real!

Wenger rates, so did Capello and Pep Guardiello. I suppose they know zip about football unlike you.

It seems Theo is on fire and developing a clinical understanding with RvP.

He's gash. End of.

Seriously someone has said, ''No doubt most people will come on here and slate him but most probably don't watch that much football''

haha, theo is appaling. inept of any first touch, poor vision, awareness and he couldnt even finish his dinner.......thats a view from the majority of non-arsenal fans and people that have been watching premier league football since its creation in the 90's. If he had no pace, he would be struggling to make it in league one. Of course he is going to score the odd goal, anyone on here could score a premier league goal if they trained every day and played over 50 games a season, regardless of ability.

He was living off the croatia hattrick for years and when people started questioning his ability, he ends up scoring two goals against tottenham and the media go crazy......well where were the goals and MOM performances in between those years. Oxlade is far superior to theo is almost every department. Oxlade has the pace and the final product basically already, something theo's found difficult to master his whole career.

the people who defend theo are embarrasing, if he didnt play for arsenal.......we know the story.

King Beer wrote:I think the blame for Walcott not fulfilling his promise lays solely at the feet of Wenger. He should've loaned him out after he first bought him or blood him in the first team. Not keep him out of action for months.

He needs clarity on what his position is, and again this lies with Wenger. When they signed him it was because of his pace and impressive goalscoring form for Southampton, yet he was stuck out on the wing when he did get a chance, and that's hindered him.

He's at the point now roughly where Henry was when Wenger signed him and i think next season is crucial, he either gets the chance up front or he'll never progress as a winger. He's basically in the same mould as Lennon on the wing. Pace, bit of skill but a shocking final ball and little much else. His biggest assest aside from his pace is his finishing and Arsenal should start exploiting it.

I would say already the Chamberlain > Walcott.

What? What a load a BS. Finishing? Have you seen the sitters he has missed this year? You could count with ten hands how many times this boy has gone through 1-1 with the keeper and bottled it, probably hence why Wenger hardly plays him as a CF. Wenger has his style, which is generally with 1 striker with free roaming midfielders and a holder in Song. Walcott, at times, is fantastic on the wing, with his pace. Skill? What? He punts the ball and chases it, and gets there. His final ball at times is shocking......again.......he could have 100 more assists had his final ball been there. I can count on ten hands the amount of times he has bodies in the box and he smashes it into a defenders foot from 4 yds or over hits it.

Its about decision making. Wenger is not an idiot. He is one of the few managers the EPL has seen at making the most out of raw talent. Look at Henry, Toure, Clichy, Nasri, Chamberlain, etc. All these young guns have now gone on to be great players (Henry being an all time great and he came as a winger).

Walcott, at the moment, is simply not good enough. If anyone is to blame, its Sven for taking him to the championships at 16 and benching him. What was the point? The media hype around such a young talent on the word stage is a massive one.......its bad enough at 28 let alone 16.


Walcott needs to improve in a HUGE way. If he does not, then expect Wenger to cash in on him end of next season with the rise to stardom of Oxlaide.

£15-£20 million - Bayern Munich

All you Theo haters. Eat grass.

+1

This is the one game in 50 he has a blinder and everyone (Theo Lovers) forget about the other 49. If he manages another performance like that in this tourney then I'll apologize.......when he doesn't will you finally see it?

I think the problem with Theo, is his record is very good, he gets a lot of assists and a fairly good goal record for a winger, and seems to have good games fairly often, yet every good game he has is labelled as just him having that 'one' good performance. How many times will he have "just one good game", before you have to accept that he just goes missing in some games.

Small Time wrote:This is the one game in 50 he has a blinder and everyone (Theo Lovers) forget about the other 49. If he manages another performance like that in this tourney then I'll apologize.......when he doesn't will you finally see it?

This is his first appearance in a tourny. He is consistent for arsenal over the last 6 months.

Can you name ONE England player who has been consistently good in any tourny?

Crimey wrote:I think the problem with Theo, is his record is very good, he gets a lot of assists and a fairly good goal record for a winger, and seems to have good games fairly often, yet every good game he has is labelled as just him having that 'one' good performance. How many times will he have "just one good game", before you have to accept that he just goes missing in some games.

That happens to every player. Theo gets judges more harshly because Sven picked him when 16. People expected another Pele.

I think it's pretty obvious that he's a good player, not great, perhaps not quite as good as his potential suggested. You're right, he was overhyped from a very early age and it became clear he was never going to live up to the hype, in the same way that Owen, Rooney and probably the Ox have/will never live/d up to their unreachable hype.

azania wrote:

Small Time wrote:This is the one game in 50 he has a blinder and everyone (Theo Lovers) forget about the other 49. If he manages another performance like that in this tourney then I'll apologize.......when he doesn't will you finally see it?

This is his first appearance in a tourny. He is consistent for arsenal over the last 6 months.

Can you name ONE England player who has been consistently good in any tourny?

You think he had a consistent last 6 months for Arsenal? We'll just have to beg to differ then sir and leave it at that.

I knew as soon as Walcott did something amazing again for England everyone tom dick and harry is raving about him. How many dire peformances have we witnessed since that hat trick vs croatia? Anyone with a brain knew he would be able to cause sweden's tiring OAP defence trouble. Sweden were embarrasing, we just lacked any belief to go out and attack them with these tactics from Roy.

Walcott is nothing special, I think he's technically dreadful and if you put him up against a good left back he's anonymous. Put him up against slow, tiring, OAP defenders and tonight's performance occurs.

John wrote:I knew as soon as Walcott did something amazing again for England everyone tom dick and harry is raving about him. How many dire peformances have we witnessed since that hat trick vs croatia? Anyone with a brain knew he would be able to cause sweden's tiring OAP defence trouble. Sweden were embarrasing, we just lacked any belief to go out and attack them with these tactics from Roy.

Walcott is nothing special, I think he's technically dreadful and if you put him up against a good left back he's anonymous. Put him up against slow, tiring, OAP defenders and tonight's performance occurs.

I suppose when he tore Barca a new one he didn't show any skill. I presume when he slipped through the defenders and provided the cross for Gerrard to screw up he didn't show any tactical ability. Or the numerous assists he has provided for RvP.

John you do not know sports let alone football. But I love the way you make such bold statements after the event.

Okay you've picked out three highlights of his career, what about the other five years of totally shocking and abysmal play. If he was such a wonderful talent and so technically gifted, surely the lad would be a starter for both club and country.........oh dear!

John wrote:Okay you've picked out three highlights of his career, what about the other five years of totally shocking and abysmal play. If he was such a wonderful talent and so technically gifted, surely the lad would be a starter for both club and country.........oh dear!

One of the people you argue is excellent is Ben Arfa who isn't an undisputed starter for both club and country.

Oh dear.

We were talking about Walcott, how how HBA come into it? All I was saying is there is a reason why Walcott is not a starter for both club & country is because he performs about one in five games. Put him up against a decent left back and he's anonymous, bring him on against OAP's and he's going to affect the game. Also Ben Arfa has had issues with his temperament throughout his career and facing upto having his leg broken which has hindered his club and international career.

I'm sorry i'm not a part of the Crimey, Azania & Mysterioakey gang of footballing experts who are never wrong. No wonder it's the same names posting on here, as soon as they post you jump on them and push them away........pretty funny

You mean we debate on a debating forum?

Your posts are the ones that are being tackled because you're making fairly provoking points, and people are disputing them. If you're upset about your posts being debated, why do you post them on a debating forum?

I brought in Ben Arfa because I am applying an argument you used against a player you don't rate against a player you do and showing they're equally applicable, so it doesn't really work as a criticism.

Ben Arfa isn't a starter for club and country because like Walcott and almost every winger in world football, he goes missing in some games.

Let's leave it. I think Walcott is an appaling footballer, it's only his pace and his ability to pop up and perform on the occasional big game event that makes this debate rumble on. Against a good left back he's poor because of his lack of technical ability and reliance solely on pace, however up against slow left backs he can cause damage as shown last night. agree.

He likes to play as an attacker, and everyone knows it. Yet Wenger always freezes him out on the wing. Walcott could have been a Michael Owen clone (before the injuries) but wasn't allowed to go there. Problem with Theo is he's predictable never goes inside the defender.

He's still Poopie

John wrote:Okay you've picked out three highlights of his career, what about the other five years of totally shocking and abysmal play. If he was such a wonderful talent and so technically gifted, surely the lad would be a starter for both club and country.........oh dear!

Oh dear indeed. I suppose you expect me to jot down every good performance he's had over the past 5 years. He is a starter for Arsenal regularly.

Speed kills in most sports. He will play as a central attacker probably the season after next and watch his flourish. Scoring 11 goals from a wide position is very impressive.....especially when playing for an average Arsenal side.

Tell me the last time Rooney had a good game for country?







Take your time.

John wrote:Let's leave it. I think Walcott is an appaling footballer, it's only his pace and his ability to pop up and perform on the occasional big game event that makes this debate rumble on. Against a good left back he's poor because of his lack of technical ability and reliance solely on pace, however up against slow left backs he can cause damage as shown last night. agree.

Can you tell me who Chelsea's left back is? Isn't it one who is probably the best in the world? Tell me what happened at The Bridge when Walcott squared up against Cole?

Argument lost.

az, when has walcott performed for a whole season? on his day he certainly is a threat but that day doesnt come often enough. think playing more regualrly for arsenal is helping but if he was as good as your harping on about then arsenal shouldnt have been struggling as bad as they did.

lets look at other wingers playing for top sides (got the stats from espn)

apperances/goals/assists
valencia- 33 6 15
bale 47 15 15
wallcott 48 11 11

now valencia has had a season broken up with injuries yet he's played 15 games less and still made more assists. lacking in goals of course but always lacked that in his game. bale beats him all round. now i know that might be a tad harsh on walcott as ive picked two of the best wingers in the prem but even someone like strurridge whos had a very hot and cold season has scored more than walcott (13 goals) and he's been playing on the wing and a bit part role at times.

now considering only the two manchester clubs out scored arsenal and yet walcott was still behind these players suggests that he clearly hasnt performed all season, otherwise he should be right up there. whether or not you think he should be playing up front is another matter, i'll take wengers judgement over yours, as ive said before defences would only need to sit deep and thats the majority of walcotts game gone if playing up front.

Yes, Walcott isn't as good as Bale and Valencia but that doesn't mean that he's awful or useless as some people claim. He's just alright.

compelling and rich wrote:az, when has walcott performed for a whole season? on his day he certainly is a threat but that day doesnt come often enough. think playing more regualrly for arsenal is helping but if he was as good as your harping on about then arsenal shouldnt have been struggling as bad as they did.

lets look at other wingers playing for top sides (got the stats from espn)

apperances/goals/assists
valencia- 33 6 15
bale 47 15 15
wallcott 48 11 11

now valencia has had a season broken up with injuries yet he's played 15 games less and still made more assists. lacking in goals of course but always lacked that in his game. bale beats him all round. now i know that might be a tad harsh on walcott as ive picked two of the best wingers in the prem but even someone like strurridge whos had a very hot and cold season has scored more than walcott (13 goals) and he's been playing on the wing and a bit part role at times.

now considering only the two manchester clubs out scored arsenal and yet walcott was still behind these players suggests that he clearly hasnt performed all season, otherwise he should be right up there. whether or not you think he should be playing up front is another matter, i'll take wengers judgement over yours, as ive said before defences would only need to sit deep and thats the majority of walcotts game gone if playing up front.

Walcott may have been beaten by Bale and Valencia, but he is the top Englishman on the list, so surely he deserves his place?

I think Theo gets a raw deal. I think he's a lot better than he gets credit for, and even though he's been around for a long time, he is still only 22. I struggle to remember what someone like Giggs was at that age, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was a similar player, quick & direct but maybe a bit technically naive.

If speed is your main asset, why wouldn't you use it and why should you get penalised for not doing something else? You learn and adapt as a footballer as you get more experienced. Give him a chance and i'm sure he'll do the same.

dancingweeman wrote:

compelling and rich wrote:az, when has walcott performed for a whole season? on his day he certainly is a threat but that day doesnt come often enough. think playing more regualrly for arsenal is helping but if he was as good as your harping on about then arsenal shouldnt have been struggling as bad as they did.

lets look at other wingers playing for top sides (got the stats from espn)

apperances/goals/assists
valencia- 33 6 15
bale 47 15 15
wallcott 48 11 11

now valencia has had a season broken up with injuries yet he's played 15 games less and still made more assists. lacking in goals of course but always lacked that in his game. bale beats him all round. now i know that might be a tad harsh on walcott as ive picked two of the best wingers in the prem but even someone like strurridge whos had a very hot and cold season has scored more than walcott (13 goals) and he's been playing on the wing and a bit part role at times.

now considering only the two manchester clubs out scored arsenal and yet walcott was still behind these players suggests that he clearly hasnt performed all season, otherwise he should be right up there. whether or not you think he should be playing up front is another matter, i'll take wengers judgement over yours, as ive said before defences would only need to sit deep and thats the majority of walcotts game gone if playing up front.

Walcott may have been beaten by Bale and Valencia, but he is the top Englishman on the list, so surely he deserves his place?

I think Theo gets a raw deal. I think he's a lot better than he gets credit for, and even though he's been around for a long time, he is still only 22. I struggle to remember what someone like Giggs was at that age, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was a similar player, quick & direct but maybe a bit technically naive.

If speed is your main asset, why wouldn't you use it and why should you get penalised for not doing something else? You learn and adapt as a footballer as you get more experienced. Give him a chance and i'm sure he'll do the same.

no arguements about him deserving his place in the england team, would have preferred him over milner (who ive never rated as a winger), but the top english man is slighty biased as there isnt many attacking english players playing for the top teams week in week out, as i have said strurridge has out scored him this season and im sure if a adam johnsen was playing weekly for city he would be right up thier as well. his stats imo should be better than they are considering he plays for one of the most attacking teams in the prem

i agree with crimeys above statement, promblem with walcott is what does he do when he starts slowing?

just checked with ashley youngs stats and he beats wallcotts aswell, even though he's missed parts of season with injury and hasnt always been first choice. so he's not even the top english winger

youngs stats - 35-12-13

he's beating walcott on both despite playing 13 games less, and as a united fan im still not entirely sold on young!!! whats that going to say about wallcott