[video] Theo Walcott - ice cool!
Theo Walcott, the 16-year-old Saints prodigy, scorer of their goal and all-round joy to watch
- 19 Oct 2005 Guardian
The ’shock’ inclusion of the pampers wearing Theo Walcott has made me go out an learn more about him.
First thing to take note of is that he is the youngest player to have taken the field for Southampton at the age of 16.
He’s bloody expensive! Arsenal forked out a staggering £12 million (£5 Milion up front and the rest later) in January when he was still only 16. This was good timing as Theo’s date of birth is March 16 1989, so I’m sure he managed to have a good shindig!
Chelsea also wanted him, but when he was only 15 bidding £2 million for the young talent.
He is quicker than butter off a hot knife! When he was 14 he ran the 100m in 11.5 seconds!
He’s very composed and confident. He describes himself as “Pacy, skilful, determined, family-oriented and handsome!” If you watch the interview he did for Arsenal TV you’ll see just how calm he is, at 16/17 I would have been stuttering more than a Lada on a cold day!
Lets see him in action!
But… an England call up already?!
It does seem like a strange choice for Sven to have made. He has never watched him play in person. It would appear that Arsenal Chairman David Dien and manager Arsene Wenger might have been on the old blower to Sven to let him know that Theo is ready to go to the World Cup. This is a lad who has yet to play a game in the top league and also yet to score. If I was Darren Bent I would be extremely miffed not to have been included in the squad having scored 18 goals in the premiership. Compare this to Crouch with 8 Premiership goals, Owen with 7 and Rooney with 16.
Is it a gamble?
If he were to be in the starting line-up that would be a shock. I suspect that with the 6′7′’ Crouch up front England have a great target to aim for and we can usually trust Owen. However like CRELLIN so brilliantly wrote in ‘We’ll still win it without Wayne‘ it doesn’t really matter who is up front. England’s defence and midfield is the key if England are to win the World Cup. Personally I think Joe Cole will be one of the most influential players for England. Under Mourinho he has developed a brain! His choices are a lot better, he is scoring goals, his crossing is excellent and his defensive work has improved ten fold. England, England, England…
