Arsene Wenger backs in-form Theo Walcott to become 'world class'

THEO WALCOTT is finally expected to make his 200th Premier League appearance in the North London derby – eight-and-a-half years after making his first.

22:30, Fri, Feb 6, 2015

Theo Walcott celebrates GETTY

Theo Walcott has returned to goalscoring form following his long lay-off with injury

Manager Arsene Wenger still believes that after a steady run of injuries in his early career, the 26-year-old can still go on to become one of the world’s greatest players – given a continued run in the team.

“I think just before he was injured, he was the best Theo I have ever seen,” Wenger said.

“He had a good balance between being physical, using his pace, and the quality of his finishing had improved tremendously. When he scored the goal on Sunday against Villa, you can see he’s a great finisher now.

“But Theo’s first quality is the quality of his reception. That means he gets the timing and the movement. He is absolutely exceptional, one of the best in the world, with regards to the area where he will get the ball.

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“In that, he is certainly top, top, top because he has the pace behind it as well.”

With 18 months left to run on his contract, Arsenal will be looking to tie him down further in the coming months and Wenger has no doubts what it will take for Walcott to secure his future and move himself on to the next level.

“He has had a lot of injuries,” he said.

“I think what he needs is to be a long time without injury. He is 26 now, and it’s the right age for him. It’s now that is decisive for his career, 25 to 30.

“We want him to be world class. It is all there.”