Arsenal: Theo Walcottt’s career must serve as a stark warning

Theo Walcott will turn 29 this season. His unfulfilled career should serve as a stark warning for fellow Arsenal youngsters who are looking to follow in his footsteps.

For the first time in 20 years, Arsenal are not featuring in the Champions League. It is somewhat strange to see them tackle the delights of the Thursday-Sunday routine, and with the intentions of Arsene Wenger towards the Europa League somewhat unknown, the influence of that routine on the league and domestic cup season was also a little ambiguous.

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Nevertheless, after one European game that saw several stars omitted from the squad, including Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette, and a full strength side fielded on Monday against West Brom, suggesting that rotations will be made for Thursday’s trip to Belarus, it is fair to assume that Wenger will use the Europa League like the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, as a chance to blood younger players into the first team and offer reserve players the opportunity to establish themselves within the squad.

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That latter quest is ideal for players like Jack Wilshere, Per Mertesacker and Mohamed Elneny. But perhaps more than anyone, the Europa League is vital for Theo Walcott, as Jeremy Wilson, in the Daily Telegraph, pointed out this week. But the Europa League was not meant to be Walcott’s stage; his trajectory was intended for far greater heights, heights that he has never quite reached.

Walcott, who will, depressingly, turn 29 in March, has never delivered on his potential. Signed as a fresh-faced, lightning quick 16-year-old, thrust into the England World Cup squad, foolishly, by Sven Goran-Eriksen, and cast as the heir-apparent to Thierry Henry, the hefty heights of fame and fortune came as quickly to Walcott as his haring down the right flank. But the success that was expected never quite followed.

Injuries, positional uncertainty, and a manager who never quite had the unshakeable faith in his abilities that young players survive off, scuppered any progress that Walcott could make. Disregarded as a runner with football boots on, he has yet to deliver on the promise that his talent, at least, hinted at.

And his career should serve as a stark reminder for those following in his footsteps. The likes of Reiss Nelson, Rob Holding and Jeff Reine-Adelaide are heralded very much like Walcott was a decade ago. Seen as the future of Arsenal, and England (France for Reine-Adelaide), there is a great deal of hope and anticipation for their future; what will be to come, while unknown, is an exciting, salivating thought.

Football, though, is a mean and unruly sport. It lacks grace and mercy. Second chances are difficult to find. Ruthless and judgemental, opportunities are limited and patience is thin, even with a manager like Wenger and his penchant for the development of youth.

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Walcott found that out throughout his career. He could never quite grasp his chance. And now he’s playing in the Europa League, a competition without glory or prospects. His career is an unfulfilled one, an unsatisfactory run of what-ifs, an unanswered question of ‘what could have been’. It is also a reminder and a warning that expectations are brittle and opinions are changing. Let’s hope those who try to follow his footsteps don’t step in every footprint.