Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott’s ability to receive the ball in dangerous positions marks him out as “one of the best in the world”.
The England international scored his first Premier League goal in 13 months in last weekend’s 5-0 victory against Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old is due to make his 200th top-flight appearance when Arsenal travel to Tottenham on Saturday, and Wenger is convinced he can get even better.
"It is absolutely exceptional, one of the best in the world, with the timing of his movement and where he goes"
Arsene Wenger
“Theo's first [attribute] is the quality of his reception,” the manager said. “It is absolutely exceptional, one of the best in the world, with the timing of his movement and where he goes.
“When I say quality of receptions, it's the area where he will get the ball. In that, he is certainly top, top, top because he has the pace behind it as well.
“I think he is not completely there yet. It's normal because he's been out for a year but you can see week after week, he gets better.
“I think just before he was injured, he was the best Theo I have ever seen. He had a good balance between being physical and using his pace - and the quality of his finishing had improved tremendously.
“When he scored the goal on Sunday against Villa, you can see he’s a great finisher now. He had a lot of injuries. I think what he needs is to be a long time without injury. He is 25 now, and it’s the right age for him. It’s now that is decisive for his career, [from the ages of] 25 to 30.”
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