Theo Walcott: The fast and the furious

Newly ‘furious’ Theo Walcott is now a major player for both Arsenal and England, according to Gunners goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

Theo Walcott New hero Theo Walcott: New hero

Walcott, 19, is certain to start against Kazakhstan and Belarus after his stunning hat-trick for England in Croatia last month and Almunia believes he is blossoming into the complete footballer.

Almunia said: “Theo has maybe been too nice in the last two years, but this season you can see that when he gets fouled, he gets furious. And that shows he has changed.

“When he used to take a bad tackle he did not say anything to the referee or the opposing player. He would just stay on the floor. Now he has more passion, more aggression on the field, and I like that attitude.

“Theo is not shy about seeking advice from senior players. I have told him to be a bit more aggressive and not so nice on the pitch because if people can kill you they will do so.”

Almunia feels Walcott, above, can continue to make great strides under Arsene Wenger’s expert guidance.

“Watching Theo when he is playing well in a match or in training is beautiful,” said Almunia. “To me, he is just like a machine.

 

Unbelievable.

“He is by far the most exciting young English player I have ever seen. His skills are incredible and I am sure that over 100metres he would get a good time. 

He is by far the most exciting young English player I have ever seen

Manuel Almunia

“He is a becoming a complete player. Theo is growing up and it’s going to be great for England.”

* Portugal Under-21 midfielder Amaury Bischoff and former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre could make their Arsenal debuts for the reserves against Stoke at Barnet tonight after recovering from injury.

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