Arsenal boss backs England international
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed his player Theo Walcott, after claiming that too much expectation is placed on him at international level
Walcott has been the subject of criticism, with some people claiming the winger is not good enough for his country, despite being part of the England set-up since his first call up at the age of 17.
However, the Gunners; boss reminded all critics about Walcott’s ability, and supports his World Cup call-up in Germany back in 2006, although many do not agree.
“When you look at Theo, he’s a player who you think sometimes ‘He could have contributed more’, but then you think ‘Who scored the goal? Him’,” said the Frenchman.
“Or ‘Who made the pass?’ It’s him. He’s a player who is very efficient. Theo has made progress as a team player. He works very hard. He’s naturally a guy who thinks ‘forwards’ and is working harder for the team.
Wenger then added, “You feel now there is a real desire to play with others, which was his weak point a little bit.”
“Sometimes at the clubs the players are over-protected but in the national team the pressure is unbelievable. In England your expectation level is too high.”
Wenger is also a firm believer that the Arsenal ace has made steady development since joining from Southampton five years ago, despite being left out of England’s World Cup squad last summer.
“Let’s say on the football front he was not completely ready but psychologically he dealt with the situation well,” the Arsenal chief said.
“He never behaved like ‘Look who I am’. He always remained humble. Then he didn’t go to the last World Cup when maybe he should have gone.
“Overall he is at the normal development. He is 22 and he already has a lot of experience. He is at the level where people have not usually started on an international career. But you are too demanding. I feel he’ll make big steps in the next few months.”
