Get Nasty Theo, Urges Almunia
-
Despite still only being a teenager, Walcott is preparing for his fourth season in the Premier League at Arsenal and is being tipped by many to enjoy a successful campaign in Arsene Wenger’s team.
The youngster certainly has the backing of goalkeeper Almunia who, speaking in the Telegraph, claims that Walcott is going to be one to watch this season. He said: “I've seen him concentrating in pre-season and he knows it's going to be his season. He's going to have an important part to play in the squad.”
The 19 year old finally began to stake a claim for a place in the first team last season and managed 25 appearances and 4 goals in the Premier League as Arsenal finished the season in third place.
Whilst he is clearly gaining experience, Almunia suggests that Walcott doesn’t have much to learn on the pitch, other than to toughen up. He confessed: “The only thing Theo maybe has to improve is his character; he's a lovely guy on the pitch - I keep saying to him he has to become more nasty. After this he will be one of the best players in the Premier League.”
However, the Spanish stopper is also expecting Walcott to improve this season and that Arsene Wenger’s experience with young players will help him to fulfil his undoubted potential.
“When you are young at Arsenal you have to make use of the people at the club, use the facilities and improve,” said Almunia before adding, “It's impossible not to improve. You have to be stupid not to improve. I believe I'm a good example.”
After four seasons in North London, Almunia finally got his hands on the number one spot last season and has managed to become the first choice goalkeeper at the Emirates.
Despite reportedly not seeing eye to eye with former encumbent Jens Lehmann, Almunia happily paid tribute to his former team-mate.
“The relationship I had with Jens drove me on,” confessed the Almunia before concluding, “I think Jens also made me a better keeper.”
