Theo Walcott

play someone in their 'natural' position full time and then you get the best from them. the boy's no winger, that's for sure

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Originally Posted by Power_n_Glory

You missed my final point about Henry being a natural winger. Theo isn't a winger and doesn't think like a midfield player so he hasn't got the basics of a midfielder but he has the basics of a striker. Theo has had to learn how to beat players, dribble with the ball to feet and cross. It's the reverse of Henry and much harder because your asking a player that isn't used to dribbling on the flanks to do that. Again, it's like asking Owen to play as a winger. I'm not even going to bother with Oxo because he hasn't made his debut for us yet and he's a midfield player. Also, I think he prefers the middle and is more of a passer type, but we will see.

But it's down to the players at the end of the day. We can talk all day, so far, Theo has been our most dangerous winger and the one most teams fear.

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The thing is strikers with pace (the better ones) also usually have an instinct for goal, which IMO Walcott lacks. Now sure he'll score some goals, but when the ball comes to him his reactions aren't those of a player who doesn't have to think and just pulls the trigger as and when, like a Wright or Henry.

I'm not really sure what he is, as a striker I'd prefer an out and out goalscorer (like Di Natale) and as a winger I prefer a Gervinho type players who make defenders commit themselves through dribbling.

Wenger's been messing about with the forward line for years, what we actually need is someone with an eye for goal who can shoot from anywhere and will score goals regularly, think we would be a better team if we had that.

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Originally Posted by ItsMe

He's not instinctive in front of goal at all though, you'll often seem him miss those chances a goalscorer would put away.

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What are you on about? What's instinctive? Last season, people were saying he's better off when he doesn't have time to think, now your saying the reverse. Last week he scored an instinctive goal and he scored all sorts of goals last season. You're being too critical.

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Originally Posted by ItsMe

The thing is strikers with pace (the better ones) also usually have an instinct for goal, which IMO Walcott lacks. Now sure he'll score some goals, but when the ball comes to him his reactions aren't those of a player who doesn't have to think and just pulls the trigger as and when, like a Wright or Henry.

I'm not really sure what he is, as a striker I'd prefer an out and out goalscorer (like Di Natale) and as a winger I prefer a Gervinho type players who make defenders commit themselves through dribbling.

Wenger's been messing about with the forward line for years, what we actually need is someone with an eye for goal who can shoot from anywhere and will score goals regularly, think we would be a better team if we had that.

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Way off the mark with that one. You missed a lot of his goals last season. What was last weeks goal then? Pointless having this debate because your way off the mark.

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Originally Posted by Power_n_Glory

What are you on about? What's instinctive? Last season, people were saying he's better off when he doesn't have time to think, now your saying the reverse. Last week he scored an instinctive goal and he scored all sorts of goals last season. You're being too critical.

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I've never said he's instinctive and frankly what people have or haven't said is irrelevant as it's not what I think.

He's not a goalscorer, reason being he's not instinctive and finishing doesn't come naturally to him IMO. He's been with us 5 years and has had lots of chances at goal, in many cases he's failed to put the ball away when well placed (it's not the odd time), that to me illustrates that his finishing isn't something that comes naturally to him.

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Originally Posted by Power_n_Glory

Way off the mark with that one. You missed a lot of his goals last season. What was last weeks goal then? Pointless having this debate because your way off the mark.

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He'll have good games of course when things go right, but goalscorers do it regularly not from time to time.

Again I go back to Di Natale last night, look how he got into position and was a danger everytime he had the ball and pulled the trigger whenever well placed....that's what a goalscorer does.

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Originally Posted by ItsMe

He'll have good games of course when things go right, but goalscorers do it regularly not from time to time.

Again I go back to Di Natale last night, look how he got into position and was a danger everytime he had the ball and pulled the trigger whenever well placed....that's what a goalscorer does.

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Play him out on the right wing and see how many chances he gets to pull the trigger.

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Originally Posted by Power_n_Glory

Play him out on the right wing and see how many chances he gets to pull the trigger.

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It doesn't matter how many chances he gets though, the point is he doesn't have that goalscorers instinct, Di Natale find space and shoots/heads just does what he has to get a shot on goal, it just comes naturally to him, I don't think that's something we'll ever see Walcott do and it's not natural for him.

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Originally Posted by ItsMe

It doesn't matter how many chances he gets though, the point is he doesn't have that goalscorers instinct, Di Natale find space and shoots/heads just does what he has to get a shot on goal, it just comes naturally to him, I don't think that's something we'll ever see Walcott do and it's not natural for him.

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What good are those instincts on the wing. Zimm? Do you think that predator instinct would work out on the flanks? Timing your runs and all that?

Henry wasn't a natural finisher either. He'd fluff a few chances before scoring and put him on his weaker left foot and he'd struggle a little. Remember that weak finish against Barca that would have put us two goals up?

Theo isn't a super clincal striker like RVN or Batistuta, that's not his style, but he can finish and even Ian Wright says he has the natural ability to finish and make those intelligent runs. Reminds him of a young Owen. I agree with him. Keep watching the kid because he has a point to prove.

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Originally Posted by Power_n_Glory

What good are those instincts on the wing. Zimm? Do you think that predator instinct would work out on the flanks? Timing your runs and all that?

Henry wasn't a natural finisher either. He'd fluff a few chances before scoring and put him on his weaker left foot and he'd struggle a little. Remember that weak finish against Barca that would have put us two goals up?

Theo isn't a super clincal striker like RVN or Batistuta, that's not his style, but he can finish and even Ian Wright says he has the natural ability to finish and make those intelligent runs. Reminds him of a young Owen. I agree with him. Keep watching the kid because he has a point to prove.

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I thought you wanted him to play as striker though?

I'm fine with him on the wing scoring a few goals here and there, just don't think he should be a striker personally as I'd rather have that spot filled by an out and out goalscorer.

Owen was an out and out finisher, that's why he scored so many goals (until injuries took their toll), so I'm not sure how valid the comparison is other than the run's they make.

Owen was not just about making runs, his finishing in the box was also top notch.

We'll see how he progresses, think he need to get more invloved though and improve his final ball.

Ian Wright makes that comparison. He knows what he's talking about when it comes to strikers.

Yes, I want Theo to play up front or on the left of the 4-3-3 but again, you don't seem to understand how difficult it is for a striker to play on the flanks and especially on the right wing where he's always coming in on his weak foot. I mentioned the Henry example, Adebayor was the same, Ade wasn't a natural finisher but he got most of his goals from the left side coming in on his right foot. RVP is the reverse. Notice how many tines he's passed up a chance to shoot on his right foot this season? Play him on the left wing and RVP would lose his edge. The side you play on and your preferred foot makes a huge difference. Remember Reyes? He could have been a beast on the wing or as a striker if Wenger had played him on the right instead of the left. He got loads of assists but his goal record wasn't great. These things make a difference.

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Originally Posted by ItsMe

I thought you wanted him to play as striker though?

I'm fine with him on the wing scoring a few goals here and there, just don't think he should be a striker personally as I'd rather have that spot filled by an out and out goalscorer.

Owen was an out and out finisher, that's why he scored so many goals (until injuries took their toll), so I'm not sure how valid the comparison is other than the run's they make.

Owen was not just about making runs, his finishing in the box was also top notch.

We'll see how he progresses, think he need to get more invloved though and improve his final ball.

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theo's final ball should be a shot, not a cross. he needs to be played through the middle now

Andy Townsend said it the best.

"Play Theo down the middle and have a Bergkampesque player feeding him in and watch him go"

I agree.

Obviously we wont find anyone as good as Bergkamp ever but whos out there thats a similar player?

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Originally Posted by Ach

Obviously we wont find anyone as good as Bergkamp ever but whos out there thats a similar player?

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The only player who can replace Dennis Bergkamp is Dennis Bendtner.

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Originally Posted by Master Splinter

The only player who can replace Dennis Bergkamp is Dennis Bendtner.

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He would be the greatest player in the world. ;)

Van Persie is Bergkamp-esque

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Originally Posted by Ach

Obviously we wont find anyone as good as Bergkamp ever but whos out there thats a similar player?

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Berbatov. Worth a cheeky bid.

:coffee:

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Originally Posted by Master Splinter

The only player who can replace Dennis Bergkamp is Dennis Bendtner.

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No doubt :gp:

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Originally Posted by Power_n_Glory

Ian Wright makes that comparison. He knows what he's talking about when it comes to strikers.

Yes, I want Theo to play up front or on the left of the 4-3-3 but again, you don't seem to understand how difficult it is for a striker to play on the flanks and especially on the right wing where he's always coming in on his weak foot. I mentioned the Henry example, Adebayor was the same, Ade wasn't a natural finisher but he got most of his goals from the left side coming in on his right foot. RVP is the reverse. Notice how many tines he's passed up a chance to shoot on his right foot this season? Play him on the left wing and RVP would lose his edge. The side you play on and your preferred foot makes a huge difference. Remember Reyes? He could have been a beast on the wing or as a striker if Wenger had played him on the right instead of the left. He got loads of assists but his goal record wasn't great.
These things make a difference.

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Yes, Wenger is good at fekin this part up. Reyes was a monster at right wing/striker role but Wenger forced him to play wide left. Now he is doing very well at Alteltico Madrid, as a right wing forward! I am so bitter with the way Wenger feck up Reyes's carrier at Arsenal. Feo will end up the same way as right wing forward, stupid French twat! :coffee:

Reyes' downfall had nothing to do with Wenger.

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Originally Posted by Boss

Reyes' downfall had nothing to do with Wenger.

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Wenger largely contributed on Reyes problem at Arsenal, Reyes was crown signing back then and Wenger did very little to protect club's assets. :coffee:

Whatever Wenger was doing with Reyes was working well as he helped the Invincibles win the title and then started the next season on fire (7 goals in the first 13 games, including 6 in the first 6). He went to pieces after the Man U game, and unlike the rest of the team never really recovered.

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Originally Posted by milla

Wenger largely contributed on Reyes problem at Arsenal, Reyes was crown signing back then and Wenger did very little to protect club's assets. :coffee:

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Reyes' downfall had nothing to do with Wenger.

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Originally Posted by Boss

Whatever Wenger was doing with Reyes was working well as he helped the Invincibles win the title and then started the next season on fire (7 goals in the first 13 games, including 6 in the first 6). He went to pieces after the Man U game, and unlike the rest of the team never really recovered.

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Most of those goals came either as a striker or right winger. Reyes lost his edge when Wenger moved him to the left. In his last game for us vs Citeh, Wenger actually use him as a striker and he score two goals. :coffee:

Reyes' downfall had nothing to do with Wenger.

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Originally Posted by Letters (TPFKA WWTL@WHL)

Reyes' downfall had nothing to do with Wenger.

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It seems you are banging your head against a wall Letters. I always thought Reyes look pretty acomplished on the left. Homesickness (lol) was his downfall!!

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Originally Posted by Letters (TPFKA WWTL@WHL)

Reyes' downfall had nothing to do with Wenger.

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Double post :coffee:

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Originally Posted by milla

Double post :coffee:

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Reyes was homesick, his girl had the miscarriage and he also had to deal with that racist Spanish cock of a coach, Arragones. That put him in a difficult situation and then he had the prank call situation and the Real Madrid shirt incident. A lot was going on in the background and I wouldn’t blame Wenger for that, but it would have be nice if we could have protected and supported him a little.

But on the pitch, I don’t think we done the right thing by playing him on that wing. Like Theo, he took a lot of knocks playing there. I don’t think he’d have taken so many body checks and kicks if he’d have played on the right where he’s cutting in. When speedy wingers are cutting in like that, it forces defenders onto their weaker foot and we they won’t be so quick to dive in. They’ll back up a bit more and try to force you wide by with positioning rather than going in with brute force.

It’s a shame about Reyes. I had high hopes for that guy. Still remember that great goal against Chelsea and how he tore Man U apart.

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Originally Posted by Letters (TPFKA WWTL@WHL)

Reyes' downfall had nothing to do with Wenger.

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Originally Posted by milla

Double post :coffee:

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Alzheimers is a terrible affliction.

I said "Alzheimers is a terrible affliction".

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Originally Posted by Coney

I said "Alzheimers is a terrible affliction".

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Wenger's own fault tbh :coffee:

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Originally Posted by milla

Wenger's own fault tbh :coffee:

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:lol:

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Originally Posted by Grimandi's Perm

Yep, his finishing is excellent. It's a real shame that some can't admit they were wrong about him. He's a real threat.

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He's not such a threat. Yes, he gets goals and has brief bursts when he takes teams apart, but football is all about consistency. He isnt nearly consistent enough and in some games is totally anonymous (mainly against the big clubs who mark him tight and dont let him get away). He is still young and could improve but equally he could turn out to be another Shaun Wright- Phillips.

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Originally Posted by jelgoon

He's not such a threat. Yes, he gets goals and has brief bursts when he takes teams apart, but football is all about consistency. He isnt nearly consistent enough and in some games is totally anonymous (mainly against the big clubs who mark him tight and dont let him get away). He is still young and could improve but equally he could turn out to be another Shaun Wright- Phillips.

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What, big clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, AC Milan, Barca. He needs to be more consistent, but he also needs a consistent run in the team. When he scored thy hat trick for England he was flying for us as well but got injured. Last season after the 'no footballing brain' period after his hat trick, he was flying again but got injured.

He's got a good record against the big clubs. He's not always the best player on the pitch, but he has a stand out moment where he gets a goal or assist.

The only big game he hasnt really done it in is Man Utd.

Maybe that'll change tomorrow

Not sure how many 22 year olds have had as many moments as Theo tbh. People are waxing lyrical at Cleverly, but he's the same age and barely made an impact on loan. And WTF was ashley young doing at his age?

Even Lennon currently disappears more than this lad on occasion after only finding some consistency last season.

Good post ^^

Theo is one of our only game changers we have left in the squad. Dont know why he receives so much criticism when he is so young still and being played out of position.

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Originally Posted by Ach

The only big game he hasnt really done it in is Man Utd.

Maybe that'll change tomorrow

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:gp:

Theo has said in tomorrows programme that he wants to play through the centre now and feels wasted on the wing.

Read the interview on the Arsenal app so im guessing it's on the site as well.

Walcott in the centre with RvP and AOC taking theos place :pray: