After what seems like forever, Theo Walcott is finally being deployed as a centre forward at Arsenal, and funnily enough, it appears to be working. Brought to the club with a dreaded ‘Next Thierry Henry’ mantle, the former Southampton man had always seemingly been on the brink of making the transition from winger to a lethal forward.
It has only been recently, nearing on a decade in North London, that Walcott has been given the chance to play in the central berth regularly. With teammate Olivier Giroud lumbering up top, the England international offers genuine pace and an ever growing killer instinct as the last man.
He’s often been accused of lacking another dimension, someone who simply runs fast and doesn’t know what to do when through on goal. Stick him out wide and hope for the best.
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However, the years have been kind to the 26-year old. He’s been able to develop into a ferocious forward, with quite an excellent record since returning to action after his serious injury picked up against Tottenham in January 2014.
Netting five times already this season, he was impressive towards the back end of last season – scoring a hat-trick against West Brom and opening the floodgates with the initial strike in a 4-0 FA Cup final win over Aston Villa. At one point, he had 12 goals in 13 starts.
Then came Manchester United. Though he didn’t score, his all-round performance in the 3-0 triumph was among his best for the club, as he recorded two assists for Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. His outing that day showcased how far he’s come.
His club boss Arsene Wenger praised the striker, stating, ‘he really did fight today and showed he can fight, commit and protect the ball’.
So, with Wayne Rooney struggling domestically and Daniel Sturridge unreliable due to injuries, Walcott is arguably Roy Hodgson’s best option up front.
Not only can he torment back lines with his electric pace, his ever growing understanding of the role has seen him improve his general hold up play, his ability to create chances for others. No longer should he be shunted out wide, he can now lead the line.
Though Rooney may miss the upcoming international fixtures, the two as a pair is intriguing. Walcott just ahead of the England captain, with Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain either side of him is an exciting, dynamic front-line.
A fully fit Sturridge may give Walcott a run for his money as the best out and out centre forward in the county, but the Liverpool man is so injury prone it’s hard to truly gauge him.
Perhaps even Arsene Wenger will be let off the hook for not buying an expensive centre forward should Walcott continue to showcase his ability up front.
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