Western Counties Soccer

The former English defender Nigel Winterburn doesn’t think that Theo Walcott, when he gets match fit, would be slotted straight into the starting XI by the Gunners’ boss Wenger.
Winterburn, who himself spent more than a decade at Arsenal playing at the left back position, is of the view that Walcott will first have to get there rhythm wise before he become a starter for the Gunners again.
Walcott has not played any football for the last 9 months, but, he is not too far away from action now. He has been reported recently to have got about 95% fit and in a few weeks’ time, he would be available for selection.
Few people reckon that Walcott is going to be a starter straightaway as he is a player of very high quality and doesn’t need too much time to get into his groove. But, Winterburn doesn’t agree to them.
In the words of the 50-year old Englishman, “I don’t think Theo will be starting matches straightaway. He’s got to play as substitute for a while.”
“The same was the case with him the previous season too. He’s coming from an injury and he didn’t start for a few weeks. But, despite playing for short periods, he was making impact. He is that kind of player. He has the X factor. His speed and accuracy make him a tough guy to contain for the opposition.
When asked what, according to him, is the ideal position for Walcott in that Arsenal line up if he starts, Winterburn said, “At right wing I would say. If Welbeck plays in the centre and Sanchez at left, it would form a good combination for Arsenal.”
Walcott is just 6 short of completing his 200 league appearances for Arsenal.