Arsenal faithful Theo Walcott has urged manager Arsene Wenger to play him on the right wing, a position that he feels he can be fill naturally. However, Walcott made similiar claims about changing his preferred position five years ago after which Wenger granted him the central forward’s role.
Walcott appears to have made a statement bearing in mind Arsenal’s strong interest in Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette. With Olivier Giroud likely to stay and start their games, Walcott’s fears of a starting position seems to have convinced him that a return to a role on the right wing is what is best for him.
Five years ago, Walcott claimed that he believed in his ability to deliver '15-20 goals' a season. The best goal tally that he has managed since then is 21 in the 2012-13 Premier League season. Last season, he scored just five goals in an injury-stricken season.
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“I have been here 10 years,” said Walcott. “There is always competition for places. It doesn't matter what club you are at. I always believe that I can get back to where I want to be. I'm sure if I keep working hard then I will get there.”
On his best role for the team, Walcott continued, “That's a question for the manager. I have told the manager that I want to be known for playing on the right again. The manager has said I can play up front. I know I can do a job up front. But I want to make my position on the right – that's where I know I am now. I want to know where I want to play. It depends on what game it is.”
Walcott further spoke about the need to look forward, from a player’s perspective and also because it allows the team to keep the best aspect.
“Is there any need to go on about the past?” Walcott said. “There generally isn't, is there? If we dwell on the past, we are not going to get anywhere. We have just got to look forward. We should be looking at the players who have come in and we want to do something different this year. Everyone in the dressing room is different. But we cannot dwell on the past. We can't be dwelling on this silly trophy (title) drought. We have to forget about that. We won the FA Cup twice a couple of years ago. We have to forget about that as well. It is a massive year for the club itself.”
Theo Walcott has reportedly started his pre-season training well ahead of his call-up date and hopes the headstart earns him a permanent spot in the Arsenal side.
