Theo Walcott
Wenger - Walcott has a head start on Messi
- Bould and Banfield join first-team staff
- 'I know I have some big boots to fill’
- Banfield - New role is a dream come true
- ‘Steve and I share same coaching philosophy’
- Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Three
- Top 20 Most Liked
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger believes that Theo Walcott is better for his age than Lionel Messi.
The Argentinean striker is one of world football’s most mercurial talents. Like Walcott he burst onto the scene early but has gone on to carry the hopes of both Club and country.
The same could happen to the 19-year-old. The Arsenal star has featured in every game this season in the Premier League and Champions League. He has also just returned from eye-catching appearances in both of England’s World Cup qualifiers.
That schedule might mean Walcott is bench-bound against Everton on Saturday afternoon. But time is on Walcott’s side, according to his manager.
“He’s different [to Messi at that age] and I think he’s more,” said Wenger at Friday’s press conference.
“If you have to look for a weakness in Messi you would say it is his ability to run without the ball, behind the defender.
“When he takes the ball to his feet he’s like a Ferrari. But Theo is more a guy who has the timing to run off the ball and that is something that is difficult to find.
“We had Marc Overmars who was especially good at that and I’m a great, great lover of movement off the ball.”
Walcott will be involved against Everton but, speaking on Friday lunchtime, Wenger had yet to decide the extent.
“We play Tuesday again so that would be four games in 10 days,” he said.
“We have done our observation [tests]. They are not linked especially with the England matches but we do know how the individual players respond to repetitions of games.
“Before Walcott went away with England I already felt, after the Sunderland game, he looked tired. He’s the kind of player who plays with a lot of energy, every time he goes he goes 100 per cent.”
[Friday, October 17, 2008]
More Arsenal News
-
Thu, May 24, 2012
'I know I have some big boots to fill’ -
Thu, May 24, 2012
‘Steve and I share same coaching philosophy’ -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Banfield - New role is a dream come true -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Bould - This shows strength of youth set-up -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Four -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Kitchee FC on the verge of historic treble -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Player of the Season - Last chance to vote! -
Thu, May 24, 2012
Season Review 2011/12 - FA Cup -
Wed, May 23, 2012
'Premier League is as good as it's ever been' -
Wed, May 23, 2012
International Watch: Ryo makes Japan debut
