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.”