EPL 2012: Theo Walcott Cannot Play Centre Forward Role at Arsenal
Every season is the same for Arsenal, with a top player leaving the club. For once, no fans could complain if Theo Walcott left because his contract issue has been reported about for a long time.
Some fans think it is money matters, in which Arsenal have already stated via skysportsnews that they will not break their wage structure. However, it seems the real issue is his current position.
Walcott wants to play as a striker, where he feels it is his best position on the pitch. The former Southampton striker has said,
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"It is a case of having trust in me up front. I was signed as a striker and it is about time, I want to play up front. I have learnt my game on the wing. When you look at what I did last year I think I can do even more. Hopefully I will be given the opportunity. I am desperate for it" reported the Independent.
Walcott, who is the current number 14 at the club, has often been compared to the Gunners legend, Thierry Henry. It's true that the young Englishman has bags of pace and an eye for goal; his strike against Coventry proves that he has a lot of potential.
But is he ready for that position yet?
It's all good running fast and scoring goals when running on goal, but the main striker's role consists of holding the ball and bringing others into play. If you look at all the Arsenal forwards: Henry, Bergkamp, Adebayor, Kanu, Van Persie and even Bendtner, they all had a physical presence.
I don't think Walcott has the frame to lead the forward line unless Arsenal changed their formation to 4-4-2. The current winger could then play off the striker and this would be much more effective. Arsene Wenger has always preferred stronger strikers with heights to lead the line up.
Walcott will either need to be more patience and play in the team or leave for a club that will let him play as a lone striker. Should he leave Arsenal, it will only be a step back as I don't see any club in the Top 5 from the Premier League that would play him as a centre forward.
