Where do you begin with Theo Walcott? So much hype. But will he ever find success at the Emirates?

He has so much potential and anyone who watches him play sees his ability to beat defenders as if they are standing still. However, at the same time, there are faults to his game. He tends to get bullied by the bigger centre-backs. He needs space to run, and Arsenal's passing game does not give that to him when he's playing through the middle.

Also, the Gunners really could do with a speedy wing now that they have an aerial attack via Emmanuel Adebayor. Tomas Rosicky and Aleksandr Hleb are natural central midfielders and like to cut in. I think that while Rosicky has shown brilliance, he has also been inconsistent and Walcott would provide a whole new attacking dimension.

'He has only started a couple of games on the wing, and it is very hard to make an impression as a late substitute'


Arsenal might be able to solve both problems in one move - by switching Walcott to the wing. Maybe once he gets a little bigger he could switch back to striker, but Robin van Persie and Adebayor are both better at the moment and Walcott is just too small.

Thierry Henry had success as a speedy striker for Arsenal, but he was also big enough to hold his own against defenders.  Walcott could make an immediate impression if put on the wing while he waits for his body to fully develop. Some people reckon he has struggled on the wing, but he has hardly been given an opportunity. He has only started a couple of games there, and it is very hard to make an impression as a late substitute.

Given an extended opportunity on the wing, I think Theo could shine. This would not only help the club, but keep him happy because he is on the field - and give him confidence and experience for when he does become a central striker. He is still only 18 and has plenty of time to mature, so anyone who says he should be better than he is should think how many other successful players there are of his age in the Premier League right now.

There are in fact no more than three - and unless I am seriously mistaken, Walcott is better than any of them.