Should Theo Walcott be Played as a Striker by Arsenal?
By emmanola
@emmanola (482)
September 27, 2012 7:58pm CST
Theo Walcott has revealed that one of the issues he's trying to sort out with Arsenal F.C. is his desire to shift from his usual wing position to become the arrow head of the attack - a striker. In Walcott's words, he wanted to become an Arsenal legend in the mold of Thierry Henry who was converted to a successful striker by Arsene Wenger. Ian Wright, another Arsenal legend, has risen in support of Walcott. Do you think Walcott should be given a chance to play as a striker?
Personally, I feel Lukas Podolski is doing a good job as a striker for Arsenal and he can only perform better as he begins to master the English style of playing. There seems to be a good understanding between Podolski and Santi Cazorla who plays as a mid-fielder. Moreover, Olivier Giroud recently scored his first goal for Arsenal in the Capital One Cup match. He, however, missed a penalty kick. Will this take anything away from Giroud who was brought in to play as a striker? Will this work in favor of Walcott to, at least, be given a chance to prove his ability as a striker?
One feels that Theo Walcott, in the past, wasn't as clinical in his final ball. However, he seems to have become more mature. So, I ask again, should Theo Walcott be used as a striker by Arsenal?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
28 Sep 12
I do not personally think that Theo Walcott is an out and out striker. I still feel that his strong point is down in the wings, so he should continue to play there. He has not been prolific in front of the goal for him to play the striker on a regular basis.
Of course, Giroud has not really hit the ground running, but I feel that he would eventually start the scoring.
Cheers!
Ram
@emmanola (482)
•
29 Sep 12
I think a player needs not to be used as a striker to score goals. We can easily point at the contribution of Terry and Lampard in Chelsea. Both players seem to score more goals than Walcott, yet they are not strikers.
Olivier Giroud is a natural striker and with time, he will get accustomed to the style of play in England and begin to score goals. We can take a look at Gervinho, he had a terrible first season with Arsenal. However, he seems to have improved a lot since the beginning of this season, his second with Arsenal.
Finally, one has faith in Arsene Wenger to take the right decision whether to bow to pressure from Walcott or otherwise.
@lakerfanster (2577)
•
28 Sep 12
This would not be under discussion as much as it is if he was a reliable crosser. You don't hear anything about Nani or Valencia playing up front as a Striker.
@lakerfanster (2577)
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30 Sep 12
He sometimes looks great but then other times he looks just a decent player.
@emmanola (482)
•
29 Sep 12
Arsene Wenger knows how to bring the best out of players he trains. He's very patient and supportive even if the fans seem not to satisfied with the effort of a particular player. One feels Wenger is right for playing Walcott as a winger instead of making him play as the arrowhead of the attack.
@sjlskl (3382)
• Singapore
28 Sep 12
After being switched to the flanks, Walcott's progress seems to have been stalled. In fact, his finishing has improved greatly. From someone who will lash the ball wildly to someone who place the ball precisely, he should be given a chance as the striker. If he does not improve, then Wenger should let him go.
@emmanola (482)
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29 Sep 12
Unfortunately this is not the time for experimentation. One feels Walcott should have opened up long time ago, especially when the team was playing warm up matches before the season started. Then, the manager should have had time to give him a chance to play as a striker and assess his performance. Well, maybe, Wenger may allow him to prove his point by using him as the arrowhead of the attack whenever Arsenal will play a "weak" team. Now the question is: Which team is weak in the premiership?
