Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is No.1 but not exactly at something that he would have planned for. On Thursday, Walcott became a Guinness World Record holder as he achieved the feat for “The highest altitude ball dropped and controlled.”
Along with Arsenal teammates Francis Coquelin, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal, Walcott took the ultimate control challenge. The existing record stood at 32m and the Gunners’ players took the challenge at the club’s training ground in London.
A ball was dropped from a height of 34m (111ft.) and the players had to control the ball. The rules stipulated that the players touch the ball at least five times before the ball hit the ground.
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The “Romford Pele” Ray Parlour was on hand to host proceedings. The event was started with the ball being dropped from a height of 25m (83.3ft.). Monreal was under the pump and could not control the ball with any of his attempts.
But Coquelin mastered the attempt with a series of cultured touches. And then, the world record attempt followed. Koscielny was first up and his attempt was miserable as the ball struck his boot and flew away, ensuring that he could not take another touch of the ball.
After mastering the 25m height, Coquelin went on to attempt breaking the record, but like Koscielny before him, his touch was wayward too. Monreal was having an absolutely wretched day as he could not get his feet to the ball being dropped from that height.
The Arsenal no.14 then went on to break the record, in the calmest manner possible. The Englishman gave a thumbs-up before the ball was dropped and once it was, he cushioned it beautifully with his first touch that made the remaining four touches a mere formality.
He even proceeded to take one more touch as he could not hide his glory. Neither could his teammates, as all three of them let their throat out in support of the new record-holder.
This was just the kind of break that the Arsenal players would have needed after a depressing 2-0 quarterfinal loss to Southampton in the EFL Cup. Out of the quartet, only Coquelin played in that game, but the Gunners will be looking for a fresh start as they head to the London Stadium to face city rivals West Ham United.
On his part, Walcott has had a pretty good season so far. He has scored six goals in 12 league appearances this term. But after a whirlwind start, his form seems to have tapered off. From an Arsenal perspective, one can only hope that this feat acts as an impetus for Walcott as the Gunners head into what is traditionally the most difficult period in the English game.
The games will come thick and fast between now and the New Year, and every player’s fitness and endurance will be tested.
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