Arsenal News: Arsene Wenger Praises Theo Walcott

At the beginning of the current 2012-13 campaign Theo Walcott’s future at Arsenal was largely unknown. He was linked with moves all over England and Europe from Liverpool to Chelsea and also Juventus.

On going contract talks and frustrating negotiations for player, club and fan alike all embroiled into a lengthy transfer controversy that saw many looking to see Walcott leave the club in January.

However, Walcotts drive and determination to be selected as a more central forward at times has fueled him to reach the best level of play his career has yet to see.

According to his manager, Arsene Wenger in an interview for Arsenal’s official website the player has grown into his abilities exceptionally:

“He’s more mature in his finishing. [Against QPR] he scored a bit of a similar goal to the one against Man United. It’s a short backlift, he makes good runs and he’s calm now in front of goal.

You certainly remember him when he arrived - in front of goal, the ball could go anywhere. Now you see every time he hits the target. He forces the keeper into a save. That’s why his numbers are so much better.

I use him on the flank because I try to put a player in the middle who can score goals and having another one on the flank who can score goals gives you a little bit of security. We finished with him in the middle.”

The Arsenal fans will be happy to see the strong manner in which Walcott is helping to lead the club into the final weeks of the season and the Champions League race, and he is sure to be of vital importance next campaign.