Former Spurs midfielder Chris Waddle believes that Theo Walcott does not have the necessary instincts and end product to be a central striker at Arsenal.
The England international has long campaigned to be used in his preferred role as the focal point of the Gunners attack, and Arsene Wenger has somewhat bowed to his demands so far this season.
It seems that the ex-Southampton man is now ahead of Olivier Giroud in his manager’s thoughts when it comes to his main forward option, faith he has repaid with two goals in league action.
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However, Walcott’s tally is still some way short of his main rival’s haul of five, while many have questioned his ability to lead the Arsenal attack due to his slender frame.
Waddle is among the critics, and he told The Express that he’s still not sure if the 26-year-old is cut out to be a success in the position:
“I don’t know if Theo is a natural goalscorer, he has got pace and anybody with pace is always going to cause problems, but his movement could be better.
“You look at players like Theo who have been at the club for a long time and wonder whether they have got better. Yes, they have got older and stronger. But there is still that final ball missing and I don’t think he has improved as much as you would want.
“It is alright having pace – it is knowing how to use it that counts. He makes one run and then he is out of the game.
“Alexis Sanchez and Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp went once and if that did not work they went again and again. They would know how to time their runs.
“Some people have an understanding of the game and if the penny hasn’t dropped now for Theo, you wonder if it’s something that comes more naturally. It’s just something you are or are not born with.”
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