Arsenal: Theo Walcott Defensive Work Rate Key To Improvements

Theo Walcott’s form this season is only improving. His superior performances can be put down to a superior defensive work rate now as an Arsenal winger.

Arsenal’s Theo Walcott has been highly criticised for lacking the defensive mindset to excel as a right winger. Arsene Wenger himself has stated of his concern regarding Walcott’s attitude in tracking full backs that are increasingly adventurous in their play and it has been a major influence as to why he has been so keen on deploying the Englishman as a centre-forward.

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However, this season, Theo has shown glimpses of his very best form. He has recovered that electrifying sharpness and quickness that truly terrifies opposing defenders, looks dangerous with and without the ball and has improved his end product as evidenced by his three goals and one assist in the Premier League thus far.

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While all this has been a marked improvement on recent performances, particularly last season which was plagued by inconsistencies in position and fitness plaguing his campaign, it has been the one major criticism of his game when played out wide that has seen him leap onto the radar as a key contributor to the team.

Theo has been a willing defender this season, repeatedly tracking his opposite number and supporting Hector Bellerin behind him. The two speed-demons have developed quite a partnership, which was at its peak against Chelsea at the weekend, culminating in Bellerin setting Walcott up for the second goal of the afternoon, and the Gunners now boast one of the more formidable right flanks the Premier League has to offer.

Walcott has put his renaissance this year down to a shift in attitude and hard work, something that he has emulated on the pitch. Speaking before Arsenal’s Champions League tie with Basel on Wednesday night, the right winger stated:

"“Me and the manager sat down [in the summer] and I’ve just looked at myself. There’s no point dwelling on the past – that’s what I’m like. I’ve just been working tremendously hard and I know what I can do. It’s just come down to that to be fair. I want this team to do well and you can see that in my desire and the way that I’m playing at the moment. I want it more than anyone else, but that’s just me and the way that I work now. It’s a shame maybe it should have hit me a few years ago because there’s been a slight change in my whole attitude. I just want to be better and better.”"

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Theo is now an established member of the first-team squad. After a decade in North London and a career that has been squandered by injuries, he is only beginning to fulfill is phenomenal attacking potential. It is ironic, then, that such potential is being unlocked by his improved defensive work rate. Theo is back to his best, lets just hope he can stay fit.