When Arsene Wenger first purchased 16-year-old Theo Walcott more than 18 months ago, there were many who thought that investing £5million in such a young talent was a bold move that could backfire on the Frenchman. But let’s face it, when it comes to youth development there are few in the game more knowledgeable than the Arsenal boss.

During the last year and a half, there have been highs and lows for the former Southampton man, who has been off form on occasions and seemingly overawed on others. But now it seems that his speedy creative talent is beginning to get the hang of top-tier football, so much so that people are bringing up the name with a certain Gunners legend when they speak of Theo. Indeed, some brave people have made the optimistic claim that Walcott could indeed be the next Thierry Henry.

Even Arsenal team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor has made comparisons between the Middlesex youngster and France’s greatest-ever international marksman, although Walcott himself has warned against such talk.

'There are similarities that people can’t ignore; the turn of pace, the way Walcott arches himself over the ball as he speeds past defenders'


There are similarities that people can’t ignore; the turn of pace, the way Walcott arches himself over the ball as he speeds past defenders. However, there really is little to go on thus far to make such leaping statements. After all, Walcott has barely managed a dozen starts in an Arsenal jersey and is still being adopted on the wings - although I have no doubt he could do an even better job playing alongside a big striker like Adebayor.

I guess the one minor complaint one could have is the fact that he is still pretty lightweight and easily pushed off the ball, but this is essentially me just nitpicking.

There is such a wealth of young talent at the Emirates right now, and that serves Theo well as it should help keep the limelight from him somewhat. However, being English means that he will get special mention amongst the United Nations of a squad that Wenger has magically created.

He seems a softly-spoken young man and has his feet firmly on the ground - not the kind of player to believe his own press and clearly keen to give the side 100 percent. He seems to me to be a very Arsenal type of player in that respect; to represent the whole ideal that no player is bigger than the club and I am sure that he would never object to being sparingly used and eased into Premier League life.

Having already served his Championship level time at St Mary’s, there is little need to farm him out like we did with Johan Djorou, Niklas Bendtner and others.

One thing is for certain. At just 17 years of age, Theo really does have the footballing world at his feet and only time will tell if he can become a true Gunners legend. I would hazard a guess that he will be.

Is Theo Walcott destined to become the new Thierry Henry - or is he being over-hyped? Post your comments below or submit an article of your own to Sportingo.