In defence of Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott celebrating after scoring his second goal against Tottenham in February

There’s one player in that squad who needs to be bound to a long-term contract and yes, he’s home grown.

Theo Walcott.

Many have mocked this personal theory of mine, but yes he could be the key to success for Arsenal in the future. While we have seen Robin van Persie banish his injury curse, and finally take the Golden Boot, Theo has been making an impact of his own. With the meteoric rise of under performers like Alex Song, Laurent Koscielny and Tomas Rosicky, it was almost inevitable that Walcott’s progress would be undermined.

It’s not been a stellar of a season in any case for the former Soton lad, but his impact has been seen in the most necessary situations. For an instance there are the 2 goals against Udinese that let Arsenal achieve Champions League qualification last season. Then the fourth goal in the 5-2 demolition of Chelsea at The Bridge, and the two 2^nd half goals against Tottenham. In 46 appearances in all competitions, Walcott managed a total of 9 goals and 11 assists. Though it does not better his previous tally of 13 goals and 12 assists in 33 games, the player’s involvement in the game which has often come under scrutiny, has improved.

With the addition of Santi Cazorla to the Arsenal front line, it is more likely that Theo Walcott will be allowed to drift into a number of positions that could result in more goals and more chances created. As seen in the game against Cologne, Walcott was at liberty to move into a more central role when needed, while Cazorla or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would drift outward in support. Also on the Asian tour when a number of other senior players had been left home, Walcott was instrumental in the victory against the Malaysia XI and was seen in a more active role than usual.

Walcott’s finishing and technical abilities have often been put up for debate, but one can only expect so much from a player who has a rather direct attacking approach. It would be grossly wrong to expect him to work on his technical short comings, when he has a lot more to offer with pace, control and variety. While some may regard him as ‘no-brain’ footballer, the lad has had his moments, and with a little more perseverance and hard work, the wait might just begin to pay off.

Not offering Walcott a long-term contract with a competent wage packet would be a major blunder on Arsenal’s behalf, at a time when the club is at the risk of losing a major star in Robin van Persie. It’s not about losing talismanic players; it’s about the domino effect that follows. There’s little doubt that the departure of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor will have played a bit-part role in RVP’s decision on quitting the North London giants. Walcott has long been touted as one of the stars of English football in the future, and at a slow pace he is getting there.

Even in 2012/13 pre-season, Walcott has been very effective, and this can only be a small trailer to what we could expect from him in the season. A possible move to Chelsea or Liverpool, will only be a step down for the player as neither club play the brand of football, pass and move, the style that Theo Walcott has been raised in. While Chelsea’s play seems to get more Stoke-like with every game, Liverpool’s is mired in uncertainty and there is little hope that Brendan Rogers will be able to turn around the club’s fortunes immediately.

To say it more directly, get him to the table, Arsene. Do the talking, and let the lad put his pen on to the dotted line. It’s the best that could happen for both the parties involved.