*ribbit*
At times he's can be brilliant, but easily one of the most frustrating players at the club.
In light of recent talks about his contract I thought I would add my opinion on Theo. He came to Arsenal a young 16-year-old and was ridiculously taken to the World Cup and since then the fact he hasn't become the next Messi seems to have given the media and fans reason to label him a failure. He has been over-analysed and his flaws exposed like no other player of his age.
However he is now 23 and now seems a good time to really assess how good a player he is after his first properly injury-free season and his most productive to date.
In the Premier League he has:
Scored: 10
Assisted : 12
Also on the EA Sports Player Performance Index he is the 8th best overall and 3rd best midfielder behind only Bale and Silva
All very impressive, however at times he can look like he has no footballing ability, especially against teams who pack 11 behind the ball he looks short of ideas, leading to criticisms about a "lack of footballing brain".
There is no denying he can be a very effective player, especially against the bigger teams who actually attack us. When his is given space he is one of the most dangerous players in the team. Shown by game-changing moments against teams such as Barcelona a couple of years ago, Chelsea and Tottenham this year and has a habit of scoring crucial goals.
His finishing and decision making has improved greatly this year and some of his finishes are taken brilliantly and show signs he could really make it as a striker. Also the runs he have been making in the channel between the full back and the CB have been very successful. As has his crossing shown by all the assists he has given to van Persie.
To sum up.
Walcott is a very effective player on his day, he's showing continuous improvement and is also becoming more consistent all the time. Can he make it as a striker, maybe, but it has been interesting to see how he drifts in to stay in the centre much more this year, rather than hugging the touchline.
He will never be a world-beater such as a Messi, but he is class and we don't want him leaving any time soon as this year he has easily been our best winger.
Theory on Theo
posted on 20/5/12
My favorite moment of the season was Theo coming out in the 2nd half bs Spurs and ramming out the bs he took Dwn his critics throat.
posted on 20/5/12
He is effective when teams attack us and there is space behind the defenders. What he doesn't have is the close control and skill to go past players which is why he struggles when teams don't give him space.
posted on 20/5/12
And that's why you don't use iPhones
posted on 20/5/12
I'm not sure where Podolski plays, but TBH if we kept VP and Gervhino had an end product, with the OX and Pods, I really don't think Theo would have much of a sniff but would be a good impact sub to offer something alternative when needed.
posted on 20/5/12
That game against Spurs was so good, great to see his determination.
Wenger must be proud he has mental strength.
Also I do think he is learning to adapt his game for those kind of tactics. Most teams are rubbish when they have 11 men in front of them and are denied space by the lesser team (Chelsea vs Bayern/Barca)
posted on 20/5/12
He also seems to turn up in the big games has anyone else noticed that?
posted on 20/5/12
yeah he does turn up when it matters a lot.
posted on 20/5/12
Big teams attack more which is why he is better in those games.
posted on 20/5/12
" He's no Messi on the ball but his control is still pretty good and he has done it against some quality LB's, far from the kick and rush player you accuse him of. "
==================================
His control of a football has not improved since he joined, his shooting has improved from woeful to quite good - The Forever if you have watched little Theo play then you have done so through rose-tinted spectacles.
posted on 20/5/12
Walcott is not a first team player material. He's an impact player.