The Gunners have begun negotiating a contract extension with Theo Walcott. Despite several stellar performances, he still lacks the consistency of a top-quality footballer.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal have discussed a new deal with Walcott’s representatives, though no formal offers have been proposed yet. Theo’s current contract runs out at the end of next season, which happens to be the same time that Robin van Persie’s deal ends. Arsenal are keen to sign both players to new contracts. A repeat of last summer, when both Cesc and Nasri left the club, could prove catastrophic.
While Walcott has consistently been a part of Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven, his performances have been anything but similar. For example, against Chelsea, Theo was terrific. His goal was probably the best of the five we scored at Stamford Bridge. At other times, he has looked lost on the pitch like the game against Fulham.
The reason Theo Walcott has struggled to perform consistently is because of Arsene Wenger’s system. It is known that Wenger does little teaching. He prepares the players physically and mentally for the task ahead while also building chemistry and timing on the pitch. This system works wonders for intelligent players like Robin van Persie or Jack Wilshere, but it is not ideal for players who need specific guidance, like Walcott or Johan Djourou.
On one hand, the blame can be pointed at Wenger for his reluctance to adapt to the different needs of the players. On the other hand, Walcott also needs to be held responsibility for his sometimes clueless behaviour. Over time, many players evolve into the manager’s system, like Alex Song. Walcott is still relatively young, but his development has been somewhat disappointing compared to his expectations.
Pace is extremely important in the modern game, but opponents can easily deal with players who offer very little besides pace. Theo does not have many moves to go around full-backs. While he does feed van Persie with low crosses from time to time, generally his crosses are terrible. Walcott is also far from a lethal finisher.
It is important that Walcott is retained because our current squad is too weak to lose a player who is brilliant at times. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could pressure Theo’s place in the years, and possibly months, to come although Arsene Wenger has been cautious in using the young Ox. Chamberlain has primarily been deployed on the wing since his move from Southampton, but Wenger said that he envisions him more as a central midfielder.
If Arsene believes that Oxlade-Chamberlain will soon replace Walcott in the side, then Arsenal may not meet Walcott’s wage demands. Of course, it is vital to have both in the squad due to our lack of depth. But Theo may not be happy if, in the future, he is forced to sit on the bench in favour of the Ox.
It is up to Walcott to improve his final ball and overall positional awareness. He currently starts for England and Arsenal, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain overtake him on both fronts in the near future. If Theo continues to be plagued by inconsistency, he will never be a true top-class player.
