Patrick Barclay: Theo Walcott can unlock Arsenal's full attacking potential

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Speed merchant: Theo Walcott's return spells bad news for opponents

Patrick Barclay

4 November 2014

Welcome back, Theo Walcott. There were hints, during his 10-minute comeback against Burnley on Saturday, that the trademark burst of effortless pace has survived and, as and when they are confirmed, Arsenal will have regained not just a player but a dimension.

Even those of us who took our time in coming to understand how effective Walcott could be, who often found his use of the ball erratic, were happily submitting to a conversion when fate cruelly struck him down towards the end of an FA Cup tie against Tottenham 10 months ago.

He was in brilliant form then, either on the wing or through the middle, where he likes to play.

He would have been an important part of Roy Hodgson’s plans for the World Cup. Instead it was Raheem Sterling who seized an opportunity to shine on the big stage. Who knows how the speed merchants would have fared in tandem? We may have a brief glimpse during England’s matches against Slovenia and Scotland this month, for Arsene Wenger has said he wouldn’t mind Walcott joining up as the attacker strives to regain full fitness.

But first there is the enticing prospect of a run against Anderlecht tonight. Arsenal can qualify for the knockout stages nice and early, Walcott is back in the squad and things are looking up at a club whose stodgy start to the Premier League season has this far tended to dampen the enthusiasm engendered by the FA Cup triumph in May.

There are so many exciting combinations to contemplate with Walcott in the squad. With Danny Welbeck, for example. Remember how they combined to fell Sweden during Euro 2012?

With Olivier Giroud when he, too, returns? Any striker would relish the service Walcott can provide for, in a different way to Mesut Ozil, he is quite a provider of assists. But the whole team should benefit from how Walcott causes opposing defences to back off. They are naturally reluctant to offer space behind into which he can run. Which means all the more for the likes of Ozil and Alexis Sanchez when they operate off the front.

All in all, it’s bad news for opponents. Even the best — the ones Arsenal notoriously have a habit of failing against — will have negative thoughts about his presence. And don’t forget his finishing, which has gradually improved.

Arsenal stars pair up for training

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So much for theory. Now for reality. As Wenger has warned the fans, there could well be setbacks on Walcott’s road to where he was. But club and country have every right to hope that his return might signal the repair of more than a cruciate ligament.

Patrick Barclay: Theo Walcott can unlock Arsenal's full attacking potential

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Arsenal stars pair up for training