Not a surprise there; I think it just goes to show what a great manager Wenger is. He knows that Walcott is only 19, and he has years upon years to mature into an exceptional player. Right now, he's still only the diamond that has just been dug up. He still needs to be smoothed out and cut until he hits his peak. Although he ripped Croatia apart on Wednesday, he still has a lot to learn, and rushing him into it too quickly could stunt his growth. I wouldn't be surprised if Walcott only starts about 15 games this year, making upto around 25-30 appearances in total from the bench. Good stuff Arsene (Y)
Why? Arsenal has one of the best youth setups in the world, along with some of the best coaches for that particular level. Look at some of the England U-17/18/19 squads, and most of them are Arsenal players. Lansbury/Gibbs/Gilbert/Simpson/Randall/Hoyte/Wilshere... Wenger knows what he's doing there. He's a master.
I agree with Poet. No need to rush the kid yet. Plus it takes him out of the spotlight after the Croatia game and reduces pressure on him.
You've named 7 players there at which I'd be shocked if anymore than one of them are at Arsenal in 5 years time. I can't name one player in the current Arsenal first 11 that has progressed solely through their own set up. Arsenals english youth contingent are there purely to sell on and fund moves for french youth players. Remind me what Wenger has done in the last 4 years to make him to so great?
RE: You've named 7 players there SO do you honestly think the best thing for Walcott's development is to be thrown to lions of the premier league and be burned out at 27 like Michael Owen? He's big news at the moment so for Wenger to pull him away from the bright lights for a week while it dies down makes perfect sense to me.
RE: You've named 7 players there 1. I never even mentioned walcott. 2. If he is fit, and their best option on the wing then yes, of course he should play. Wenger has lost 3 senior midfielders this summer and decided not to replace them as he has stated his youth can step up. As for throwing Walcott to the lions??? Wheres that come from? He's a professional premiership player that I assume gets handsomely paid for the privaledge. Hows that throwing him to the lions? He should be chomping at the bit to play.
RE: You've named 7 players there I'm sure Walcott is champing at the bit to play but that doesn't mean its in his best interests to play week in week out this season. Did you know what was best for you at 19? I just don't want to see the usual sensationalist attitude to any half decent English player ruin the lad, thats all. As for Arsenal I couldn't give two fecks about what they do. I'm a Reds fan and anyone else is insignificant to me.
RE: You've named 7 players there I know what your saying, and to an extent I agree. And of course I knew what was best for me at 19 - I was a teenager and knew it all! The season has hardly kicked off, Arsenal are hardly looking like a title challeger this year (after I watched the fulham game) and using the confidence Walcott has got from the england games could be used to Arsenal's advantage. As for being a Barnsley fan, again im with you regards not charing about arsenal. What does annoy me though is that this great Arsene Wenger hasnt won anything is 4 years, money is that he wont win anything this year, has sold a majority of his stars without replacing them doesnt have a chance in hell of catching Chelsea and Man Utd, even though he has been told he can spend money. A good coach he is, but he wouldnt have lasted 2 seasons at other clubs what with the expectation against realised achievements.
