14. Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott joined Arsenal in January 2006 to a fanfare of publicity but, in many ways, he only "arrived" last season.

Theo spent most of his first 18 months at Emirates Stadium developing his game on the training pitches but, last term, he made a significant step forward with 39 appearances. The teenager earned a reputation as an 'impact substitute', memorably racing 80 yards to set up a Champions League goal for Emmanuel Adebayor at Liverpool. Theo's efforts were lost in the remnants of a numbing European exit but it underlined what he was capable of.

He was equally unlucky at Birmingham in February when a well-taken brace was overshadowed by Eduardo's sickening injury and two dropped points. Nonetheless, Theo's raw pace and ability is now being channeled to good effect and he was rewarded for his improvement with a call-up to the England squad in May. He might have been a shock inclusion in the 2006 World Cup squad but Theo's international calibre is clear now.

The challenge for Theo this season is to secure a regular starting place with his club. Arsène Wenger believes there are "no limitations" on how the teenager can develop and, although the Frenchman tends to deploy Theo as a right winger at the moment, an improvement in his link-up play could see the England man emulate his boyhood hero Michael Owen and flourish up front too.

 

MY YEAR

October

Theo continued his superb start to the season with a string of outstanding displays down the right-hand side of midfield. The teenager marked his first appearance of the month with an injury time goal against Everton on the 14th and the he followed it up with a lovely finish against Fenerbahce three days later.

September

Theo’s career shifted up a gear in September as he became England’s youngest ever hat-trick scorer when he struck three in the 4-1 victory in Croatia. The feat made the 19-year-old only the third Arsenal striker to hit a treble for England and he transferred his form for country, to club. Theo appeared in five of Arsenal’s six games, registering four assists. His form singled him out for some rough treatment from opposing defenders but the winger discussed how he takes it all in his stride. “It is a nice feeling when a defender is scared of you,” he said on Friday 19th. “It means you will hopefully win the battle with him. I got kicked a few times but you just have to win the battle with them. You just have to suck it up and get back at them.”

August

August saw Theo continue his transformation from hot prospect to first-team regular. He appeared in all five of Arsenal’s fixtures, the highlight coming in the home tie against FC Twente. After receiving the ball from Nicklas Bendtner, Walcott surged through the Twente backline, nonchalantly stroking the ball past the goalkeeper. It was a finish of the highest quality that again drew comparisons with Thierry Henry.

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