Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger thinks that Theo Walcott is entering a crucial stage in his footballing career, and is still backing the England international to show that he is a world-class player.
Walcott has struggled with a series of injuries and missed a year of football including the World Cup finals after damaging knee ligaments in an FA Cup tie with Tottenham.
And with another north London derby due to kick-off at lunchtime Wenger has had good things to say about the 25-year-old, but says it is now time for him to step up to the plate.
“Can he be world class? It is all there,” Wenger told reporters. “Theo’s first quality is the quality of his reception. That means the timing of his movement, where he goes and the area he will get the ball. It is absolutely exceptional, one of the best in the world.
“I think just before he was injured was the best Theo I have ever seen. He had a good balance between being physical, using his pace, and the quality of his finishing had improved tremendously.
“He’s a great finisher now. I think what he needs is to be a long time without injury. He is 25, and it’s the right age for him. It’s now that is decisive for his career, 25 to 30.”
Walcott’s current contract is up in 2016, and while Wenger admits he wants to keep him at the Emirates he knows these things are never easy.
“He has still 18 months to go [on his contract],” said Wenger. “It’s the sort of time we think about it.”
