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Theo Still Wants To Be A Striker

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has insisted he very much sees his future as a centre forward, after clocking up his 9th goal of the season against Tottenham on Saturday.

'Without a doubt. I've always believed I'm a striker.

'The boss gave me five minutes at the end there and I managed to grab a goal, which is great.

'But when you've got someone like Olivier, who's playing well, there's no need to change a winning team at the moment.

'I think my time will come. I've just got to be a little more patient.

'But, like I say, I want to play up front. That's my position.'

Meanwhile Arsene Wenger confirmed in his post match press conference that Theo Walcott would not be sold in January, whether he has signed a new deal or not.




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Writer: Tim Stillman Mail feedback, articles or suggestions

Date:Monday November 19 2012

Time: 8:55AM

Your Comments

I think the argument for him playing upfront is not as cut and dry as it has been in the past. I think each time he's been moved into the middle this season he's bagged himself a goal has he not? I've always been a huge fan of his finishing too. On another note his comments certainly sound like he's leaning towards signing a new contract with the club.
Rocky7
He pretty much is playing as a striker anyway. I think he'll get as many goals and more assists where he is now, this is a bit of a red herring in my opinion, other top players don't moan about this. Ronaldo won utd the league playing behind Rooney/Tevez in that 3 up top thing they had, similar to us at the moment. Giroud is starting to notch as well, so just crack on Theo, it's not like he's got you playing Left Back is it.
shewore
I’m with shewore here. He may not start centrally per se, but he’s behaving much more like a striker this season- presumably under instruction. He spends much more time on the shoulder of the full back as opposed to coming short for the ball and ends up centrally more often than not anyway. Amos made the point well in another thread, Podolski, Giroud, Walcott and Cazorla all both scored “centre forward” type goals and all set one up from out wide with intelligent wing play. Theo needn’t obsess over where he sits in the formation graphic. Actually, Cazorla, Podolski and Walcott buzzing around behind Giroud this weekend put me in mind of the trio of Chelsea players that swap positions in behind Torres.
Little Dutch
^Agreed, Except our striker's worth a lot more than theirs ;)
shewore
Our tea lady is worth a lot more than their striker.
Rocky7
I thought their striker was a tea lady? Looks and plays like one.......
Little Dutch
Oi - stop insulting tea-ladies, you lot. They are a darn sight better than their "striker". And they are at least good for something, ie making a nice cuppa and calling people "love". I totally agree with shewore as well. It breaks my heart but I think Theo has already made up his mind to leave.
FunGunner
How many times have I come on here & told you lot that Walnutt is more of a striker than winger? Is he not producing more for you this season than he's ever done stuck out wide right?

I thank you.

Spuds-U-Like
Oh, and he looks a far, far better player for it too.

Spuds-U-Like
Urm, he's played out on the right all season.
Little Dutch
He's had about 45min on his own through the middle this year SUL dear boy. More of an "Forward Right" in old Championship Manager Parlance.
shewore
Not sure its been all the time, Dutch & besides, I don't consider playing on the right of a front 3, as playing wide right in the strictest sense mate. At least not as I understand it.

Spuds-U-Like
OK shewore, I stand corrected, but as I said, I think there's a world of difference between playing on the right, to playing wide right. His playing a bit narrower, rather than hugging the touchline as he has done in the past makes him a far more productive player IMO.

Spuds-U-Like
He's been playing on the right of the front 3 since we changed to the 4-3-3 in 2009. He's had the last couple of minutes of this game in the centre, can't think of any other time myself.
Little Dutch
Henry's been training with us again recently, he'll have definitely had a word with Walcott to the tune of 'don't mug yourself, this club is by far the best option for you, look at the career destroying wilderness that cock bendtner finds himself in, is that what you want?, believe in this club and sign son'
nikolaijns
Indeed. His time will come. Its great to have the option of moving him inside as the game progresses if needed. He is having his most prolific season....all he needs to do is keep scoring and give Wenger a bit of a headache. ..a good headache to have. Having the knowledge of playing anywhere along the front line will only improve him as a player. One of the reasons Henry was at times unplayable. I think he is an intelligent lad, and moving from this club could have a massive negative effect on his career. ....just as he is starting to live upto the hype.
gunnerman76
OK Dutch, I'll have to take your word for it buddy, after all you see him more than I do. Its just that whenever I've watched him prior to this season, he seemed to be playing as a winger rather than wide striker. Maybe he's adapted his style of play & found a more effective way of playing that is more than knocking the ball past & running around the defender. Or maybe he's improved his ability to beat a man, either way, he's a much better player than last season.

Spuds-U-Like
How nice to come back to VA after a while away and be so amused by a little Torres bashing :) As for Theo, he looks like he's adapted his play a little and to great effect. His runs are into much more dangerous areas and he is also creating chances from many different positions. It's good that he realises that he will not usurp Giroud the way the latter is playing.
No 10
It all comes down to the team having better understanding of the strengths of each man; for instance, it looks like the team has started to play to Giroud's strengths and this has brought out the best in the man. It has to be the same for Theo who is a much improved player, maybe by adapting his play or better understanding of his team mates and what is required of him. He hardly makes those frustrating "runs to nowhere" we've come to know him for and is more controlled in his crossing. Having suffered through his frustrating years, it will be a wrong time to sell him, to be fair. He is at the right age and we should be tying him down to a 5 years contract. Here's hoping he isn't doing this well to get that contract.
Naijagunner
I think young Winston will leave, as he can go on a Bosman and keep all that lovely lolly for himself... Arse have Oxlade to play there and it would unsettle the applecart to pay Winny 10s of thousands per week more than the likes of Giroud, Cazorla et al.... Winny should shop around and even consider a move abroad as only a few clubs here will pay him 150k a week..
Viyyash-Ramosh
.... and also grant his wish to play as a central striker....(albeit it badly, unless on the counter)
Viyyash-Ramosh
That settles it then, if you think he's off he's a cast iron cert to stay, lump your wedge on it folks, Reallash Wrongosh has spoken.
nikolaijns
 

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