Cesc & Gael Aren’t Going To Spain, Theo & Kieran Need To Step Up A Notch Or Two.

Cesc issued a denial of the headlines that surrounded his comments in the Spanish media without denying the content. Speaking to Marca, he denied saying that he would leave Arsenal if Guardiola called him. Which is entirely correct. If he wants to avoid falling into ‘traps’ as he called them, the best thing would be a media silence otherwise he will spend the summer denying breathing in the direction of the Camp Nou.

Also not joing Cesc in La Liga is Gael Clichy. The left back was the subject of speculation, lumped into the same article as media observations suggesting Eboue was on his way to Atletico. Clichy said:

I heard there is an interest from Real Madrid, but I have a contract with Arsenal which I intend to respect unless the club say otherwise. It is great to be linked with Real, but I want to win things with Arsenal

Good man. Mind you it is not surprising that he does not want to go to Madrid since there is a massive clearing out sale going on with 90% of the squad seemingly up for grabs now. Even then, the dressing room would still be cramped, filled to the brim with Ronaldo’s ego.

Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs, ahem, starred in England U21s victory over Finland last night. The young England team proved that they are more than capable of stepping into the full international squad, replicating the usual national team opening match at any World Cup or European Championships, with a decidely ordinary performance against the weakest team in the group. Gibbs was solid enough but Walcott was non-descript in the first half, making way at half-time.

Once more Theo has asserted that his ‘favoured’ position is that of central striker. As he said to Daily Express hacks:

I spoke to the boss and he wants to sort of gradually move me into a striker role. I’ll happily play anywhere for this club. But no-one has seen me as a striker at the moment, which is my main position, so I’ll be working well on that in the next couple of years.

In the current edition of FourFourTwo, there is an excellent article about Johan Cruijff. In it, the observation is made about the manner in which the Ajax youth system works and it appears that it is something that Walcott would benefit from. So that players understand all that happens on the pitch, they serve a spell in each position. Dennis Bergkamp acknowledges the benefits he gained through playing in defensive positions, ensuring that his understanding of his own role was enhanced.

Walcott has the pace to give rise to many concerns to any defence in the world yet at times he is too easily shackled by the full back and/or left-sided midfielder. Serving a spell in training at full back may develop his awareness more acutely that running at Gael Clichy or Kieran Gibbs, especially since the latter is still learning his trade. If Walcott desires a move inside to a central striking role, a spell at centre back may produce an outcome where his runs are cuter, for want of a better word.

Centre forward is a high profile position and not one where Walcott can ‘learn his trade’ in the Premier League. It would necessitate a learning curve in a competition such as the Carling Cup to allow him to develop in a few games over the next couple of seasons. If you add in the FA Cup as well, he could quite easily reach double figures before having to set foot on the pitch in the EPL as a lead striker. He has stiff competition.

Assuming Robin van Persie remains at the club, Andrei Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela may all have something to say about Walcott’s desire. Arsene may wish to see Walcott centrally but if others are performing well there, he has little incentive to accede to the England international’s wishes.

’til Tomorrow.

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