da aposte e ganhe： When Theo Walcott was selected to go to Germany for the 2006 World Cup, a star was born. Instantly pressure was placed upon the shoulders of the then 17-year-old. Though he wasn’t to play in the World Cup, Walcott became a top tier star.
da 888： Nearly nine years later, Theo is no longer a young man in football terms. As Arsenal continue to debate a new deal with the former Southampton man, the question must be asked: has Walcott lived up to his potential?
When Theo Walcott made the move to the Emirates in 2006, it was undoubtedly a case of Arsene Wenger investing in future. An initial five million pounds were shelled out on the winger. Now at 26, it could be argued that he has struggled to make the impact he would have craved nearly a decade ago.
In 2008, he unquestionably had his best night on the international stage. A stunning hat-trick away in Croatia highlighted his predatory instincts and drew comparisons with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. In the 2008 season, Walcott would adopt the famous 14 jersey once held by the record goal scorer.
It took Theo nearly three years to establish himself at club level, but the 2012 season finally seemed to be the one that saw him stand out as one of the top players in the country. 14 goals and 12 assists was by far his best return and earned him a lucrative new deal in 2013. A deal that made him one of the best paid players at the club.
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These contract negotiations were again protracted; he seemed to warm to the idea of leaving Arsenal – something that is repeating itself only two years down the line. Many pointed to the fact that Walcott being able to hold the club to ransom was indicative of the struggles they faced. A player who had arguably only had one good season could demand the kind of wages due to the severe lack of quality attacking options in North London.
Two years later and through a combination of poor luck with injuries and Wenger now willing to splash the cash, Theo is still struggling to establish himself at the Emirates. He has been forced out to the wing, something he has reportedly voiced his discontent about.
In his defence, Walcott has shown that he is a dangerous player when played centrally. But with the form of Giroud and the signing of Welbeck, his position in the striking pecking order is moving back all the time.
The contract negotiations this time around may be slightly different. The player no longer holds all the cards. Wenger may be beginning to see the future of his team without the man he has invested so much time into.
At the age of 26, Walcott still has time on his side. His injuries have not been kind, but there is no question that the Theo Walcott of 2006 would be disappointed at what the Walcott of 2015 has so far achieved.
A move away from The Emirates may be the best one for the once, wonderkid of English football.
He still has time to build a legacy that befits his early promise, but a move for his career may be more useful than one that increases his bank balance.
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