Arsene Wenger refutes criticism of Arsenal youngster Theo Walcott

Pacey winger will enjoy great future according to his club boss...

5 Mar 2010 14:54:00

By Alan Dawson

More On :  Arsenal FC, Arsène Wenger, Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott, England (Getty Images)
Theo Walcott's critics are too hard on the player, according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who has responded to accusations of the player lacking an understanding of the game's basics.

Following his return to the Gunners line-up, Walcott has been welcomed back to the international fold with England, and began the Three Lions' recent Wembley outing against Egypt on the wing.

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He was eventually replaced by Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips and attracted further scrutiny over his apparent below-par performance.

Former Tottenham Hotspur winger Chris Waddle even claimed Walcott, 20, fails to understand football.

"I believe for a while maybe people expected too much of Theo and now they are too hard with him," Wenger told Sky Sports.

"I believe Theo will be a great football player, he is very young, he will be 21 this year, he will have a great future.

"I believe in him because he has a fantastic attitude, he's an intelligent boy and he is highly motivated.

"These players always improve. Don't worry for him.

"I believe Theo has not only a football brain, but he has a brain - that means he will continue to develop at a very quick pace."

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