At the grand old age of 26, Theo Walcott feels it is time to kick on in his career for Arsenal and England. He feels like he is playing well most of the time, but wants to more like Ronaldo by being more consistent and influencing every single game. “If I want to be known as one of the great players, I need to perform for England and Arsenal on a consistent basis.” he said.
“It’s been a gradual process to get here, but these have to be my years. I’m at the age where I need to push on, without a doubt.
“I’ve got to take my Arsenal form into England matches, which will be a big step for me. My career has all been patches. It hasn’t been at a consistent level. I know that in myself. What makes a great player? Well, positive thinking is always important, and so is actually affecting the game.
“You look at players like Ronaldo. Sometimes he might be completely quiet in a game, but then he will do something that matters and that’s all people will remember. I think big players need to turn it on in big games.
“When I’ve been given the opportunity this season, I’ve managed to prove myself.
“But just doing that on a more consistent basis is the next step. I think that when you’re needed in these big games, you need to stand up for yourself.”
Theo is obviously in a confident mood after helping the Gunners to their FA Cup victory, but now he needs to fire England into the Euro Finals as well. We all know that when Walcott is fit and playing regularly he can be devastating to our opponents, but his never-ending Achilles Heel is the fact that he rarely completes more than half a season for Arsenal, as his nine-year average of 20 games and 10 subs appearances testify. The last two seasons have even seen those figures reduced to an average of 10 games and 10 subs.
Walcott must forget about trying to become the Ronaldo of Arsenal and England – and start concentrating on keeping himself fit before getting ahead of himself….