Le Tissier: Theo Walcott should leave Arsenal

Matt Le Tissier believes that it’s time for Theo Walcott to change direction.

Walcott joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Le Tissier’s former club Southampton back in January 2006, but has never been given an ­extended chance in his favoured role of centre-forward.

And with a host of potential suitors lining up to tempt him away in the January window, Le Tissier thinks that Walcott’s best ­opportunity to fulfil his potential is by playing a central role under a manager who truly trusts him.

“I’ve never really thought that the way Arsenal play football suited the way that Theo plays football – I don’t think he was ever suited to Arsene Wenger’s style of play,” said Le Tissier.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he moved and you may find that it ­actually does him good if he went to a club that played to his strengths.”

Walcott has been a free-scoring presence in a struggling Arsenal side so far this season, with 10 goals in all competitions.

Despite that productive start to the season Wenger is still reluctant to hand Walcott the responsibility of ­filling the shoes vacated by Robin van Persie this ­summer.

Le Tissier though, believes that the centre-forward role is the one that comes most naturally to the 30-times capped England international.

“There was obviously a lot of expectation on him as a young boy but I always envisaged him playing as a centre-forward and thought it would only be a matter of time before he did,” added Le ­Tissier.

“It doesn’t seem to have panned out that way and Arsene Wenger obviously doesn’t think he can play in that position because he would have given him a go before now.

“When he has played there he has looked a ­million dollars, but he’s a stubborn man is Mr Wenger, and when he has made up his mind he doesn’t often change it.

“(If Walcott does leave) I think that the most ­important thing is not which club he’s going to go to but which position they’ll play him in.

“A club that will play him as a centre-forward and maybe plays a more counter-attacking style that allows him to use his pace more – that’s the most important thing.”

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Source: DailyMirror