Arsenal and Togo forward Emmanuel Adebayor thinks that his teammate
and fellow striker Theo Walcott will one day reach the playing
standards of former Arsenal superstar Thierry Henry.
19-year-old Walcott moved from Southampton to Arsenal in January
2006 for £5million but, despite the huge expectation from both
media and fans alike - especially after his surprise call-up for
the England squad for the World Cup Finals in 2006, has so far
failed to nail down a regular first-team place, having only started
seven Premier League matches so far, (14 times from the substitutes
bench), with seven League Cup appearances (with one goal) and two
FA Cup starts.
He had only started only one Champions League match for Arsenal
before Tuesdays Champions League tie against Slavia Prague, where
he performed excellently, scoring two goals in the Gunners
emphatic 7-0 win.
Since Thierry Henrys departure to Barcelona and Walcotts recovery
from a niggling shoulder injury, the teenager is now finding a
regular place in the team and after his performance on Tuesday will
be looking forward to becoming a first-choice starter.
His performances of late have now elicited praise from his teammate
and Togo international striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who believes that
Walcott could well become one of the Arsenal greats.
"He is still learning but I can promise you in a few years, Theo
will be up with Thierry, said Adebayor, who moved to Arsenal at
the same time as Theo Walcott, but who played frequently with
Thierry Henry.
"He may be more than Thierry because he's learning very fast, he's
progressing and in a few years Theo will be where he needs to
be.
"It's the first time I've played with him as a forward but he's a
very good player. He's got the speed, he's very fast, makes runs
behind and he's got some skills as well so it's very easy to adapt
with players like that.
"He took his chance well. The keeper gave him the ball and he was
in the best position at the best time. For the second goal he just
ran and showed how quick he is. He showed that he can be a good
finisher as well and is very good for the team.
"I am here to adapt with everyone. Last year I played with Thierry,
Robin van Persie, Julio Baptista. This year I'm playing with Robin,
Theo, Eduardo. I'm ready to play with anyone that they put up front
with me," finished Adebayor.
