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Wenger expects Walcott to flourish this season
Author: Zehaad Hassan
Posted on:
20 July 2008 - 19:55
Category:
Football
Arsene Wenger expects Theo Walcott to become a regular member of the Arsenal first team in the coming season, but not necessarily in the central striking role the youngster eventually hopes to fill. Having signed for Arsenal in January 2006 from Southampton, Walcott's progress has not been as rapid as many would have anticipated.
A splendidly taken goal in the Carling Cup final defeat against Chelsea last year, and the memorable 80-yard slalom run and cross for Emmanuel Adebayor's Champions League leveller at Anfield stand out as particular highlights in his fledgling career.
But after just eight goals in 71 Wenger believes further improvement is needed before he is capable of accepting the baton passed down by his idol Thierry Henry, whose signature number 14 shirt Walcott will proudly wear on his back next season.
On the likelihood of the 19-year-old featuring as a centre forward, Wenger said: "It depends on who he plays with. He is not really a link player.
"He is more of a runner, so we need a link player close to him, and we need to find the right combination. But he can play wide, right, left and central.
"He made a step forward last season and we expect him to move forward again. Last season the target was to play 15 to 20 matches and this season it is to become a regular player in the team.
"I wish for him to take a step forward. In what season he will [emerge] I don't know. To me it looks maybe more wide than central, but we have to wait how things go, how his preparation goes. I expect a lot from him this season."
Walcott partnered Nicklas Bendtner in attack on Saturday as Arsenal came from behind to beat Barnet 2-1 at Underhill on Saturday, thanks to goals from Jay Simpson and Nacer Barazite.
And despite his manager's reservations, Walcott could yet get more chances to impress up front should Adebayor, who is holding out for an improved contract offer, depart for either Milan or Barcelona, against his manager's wishes.
"If there is £400m offer for him (Adebayor) tomorrow, I will think about it," quipped Wenger.
"I don't want to enter into speculation, I want to keep him and let's see where it goes. I don't know what has gone on and a lot has been denied. It is very difficult to know what is true, about what is said and not said. He denies 99 per cent of it."