http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_6483715,00.html
Arsene Wenger believes Theo Walcott can make the same sort of impact at Arsenal as Thierry Henry, admitting the England international is 'very close' to playing as a striker.
Henry
became a Gunners legend during eight years with the club from 1999 to 2007 and Walcott
has always been likened to the Frenchman in terms of playing style.
But whereas Henry was transformed from a wide man into a centre-forward by Wenger, Walcott has primarily been used as a winger at Emirates Stadium since his arrival from Southampton.
Wenger has noted an improvement in Walcott's finishing this season and thinks the 21-year-old could have a long-term future up front.
"Theo is very, very close to playing that striker role. He can be a prolific striker," said Wenger.
"The thing is with you in England, you are very impatient.
"Don't forget that when Thierry Henry came here, he was a winger. When I played him as a central striker, he said to me 'But I can't score goals'.
"I knew Thierry when he was 14 and at 15 knew he could score goals because he played central. Then I left Monaco
and they moved him to the flank but I knew in my head he could do it.
Replica
"It looks to me that Theo has a calmness in front of goal. Before, he rushed his decision but now he is different in front of goal.
"It's difficult to compare the similarities. Is Thierry a replica of Theo? Is Theo a replica of Thierry? No. But they have in common tremendous pace, they are good finishers and both are intelligent.
"To go through what Theo has gone through, live it, as he has lived it, is incredible."
Arsenal
are renowned for their attractive passing game and often have to show patience as they look to break teams down, but Walcott's blistering speed offers an extra dimension
"Theo is the quickest player I've ever seen whereas Thierry is a player who likes the ball more. But Theo is more direct," Wenger explained.
"Our game is based on team play and the guy who gives an assist is as important as the guy who scores the goal.
"Theo has convinced a lot of people. He gives us hope when you see the team struggle because Theo can make a difference with his pace."
Humility
Wenger is a fan of Walcott's attitude as well as his footballing ability, saying the youngster was very dignified in the way he handled his World Cup
snub this summer.
"His attitude, his commitment, no matter through good or bad times, he shows commitment and humility - respect as well," said Wenger.
"He never makes any stupid statements. He has faced everything with intelligence and humility.
"He went to the World Cup at 17, had never played a Premier League game before and after he had to go with the Under-21s at 20 and still he said: 'OK, I will show on the pitch what I can do'.
"Then this summer he wasn't taken to the World Cup. At 17, he was taken to the World Cup and he wasn't at 21."
Arsene Wenger believes Theo Walcott can make the same sort of impact at Arsenal as Thierry Henry, admitting the England international is 'very close' to playing as a striker.
Henry
But whereas Henry was transformed from a wide man into a centre-forward by Wenger, Walcott has primarily been used as a winger at Emirates Stadium since his arrival from Southampton.
Wenger has noted an improvement in Walcott's finishing this season and thinks the 21-year-old could have a long-term future up front.
"Theo is very, very close to playing that striker role. He can be a prolific striker," said Wenger.
"The thing is with you in England, you are very impatient.
"Don't forget that when Thierry Henry came here, he was a winger. When I played him as a central striker, he said to me 'But I can't score goals'.
"I knew Thierry when he was 14 and at 15 knew he could score goals because he played central. Then I left Monaco
Replica
"It looks to me that Theo has a calmness in front of goal. Before, he rushed his decision but now he is different in front of goal.
"It's difficult to compare the similarities. Is Thierry a replica of Theo? Is Theo a replica of Thierry? No. But they have in common tremendous pace, they are good finishers and both are intelligent.
"To go through what Theo has gone through, live it, as he has lived it, is incredible."
Arsenal
"Theo is the quickest player I've ever seen whereas Thierry is a player who likes the ball more. But Theo is more direct," Wenger explained.
"Our game is based on team play and the guy who gives an assist is as important as the guy who scores the goal.
"Theo has convinced a lot of people. He gives us hope when you see the team struggle because Theo can make a difference with his pace."
Humility
Wenger is a fan of Walcott's attitude as well as his footballing ability, saying the youngster was very dignified in the way he handled his World Cup
"His attitude, his commitment, no matter through good or bad times, he shows commitment and humility - respect as well," said Wenger.
"He never makes any stupid statements. He has faced everything with intelligence and humility.
"He went to the World Cup at 17, had never played a Premier League game before and after he had to go with the Under-21s at 20 and still he said: 'OK, I will show on the pitch what I can do'.
"Then this summer he wasn't taken to the World Cup. At 17, he was taken to the World Cup and he wasn't at 21."
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What do you think, is it Theo's year? Personally, I think it can be.
Another thing that's interesting is, Wenger has been saying this for years but we have never believed him "We have too many strikers". Now we've got Theo, Bendtner (who's looking good these days), Vela (who definetely has great potential), JET (great potential, close to breaking into first team), Chamakh(obviously at least a good player) and RVP (who is world class when he's not injured). When all of these guys are fit I'm interested to know how we will actually play... 3 upfont? Theo-Chamakh-RVP? I don't know, that would be my best guess.
Oh I knew I was forgetting someone, Arshavs he's basically a striker for us lol.
What do you think, is it Theo's year? Personally, I think it can be.
Another thing that's interesting is, Wenger has been saying this for years but we have never believed him "We have too many strikers". Now we've got Theo, Bendtner (who's looking good these days), Vela (who definetely has great potential), JET (great potential, close to breaking into first team), Chamakh(obviously at least a good player) and RVP (who is world class when he's not injured). When all of these guys are fit I'm interested to know how we will actually play... 3 upfont? Theo-Chamakh-RVP? I don't know, that would be my best guess.
Oh I knew I was forgetting someone, Arshavs he's basically a striker for us lol.