Theo Walcott discusses his new position for Everton and compares Sam Allardyce with Arsene Wenger
Theo Walcott was named Man of the Match after his second-half strike secured Everton a 1-0 win against Newcastle on Monday Night Football, but could he be set for a change of position at Goodison Park? Thierry Henry, Roberto Martinez and Walcott discuss…
Walcott started the night on the right flank, a position he has long been associated with throughout his career, but it was a switch to the left in the second half against Newcastle that yielded reward for the Toffees.
Yannick Bolasie’s 51st-minute cross from the right picked out Walcott at the back post and the former Arsenal forward, who drifted in off the left flank, cut inside onto his right foot before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and into the roof of the net.
It’s a change of position we could be seeing more of in the future.
“It’s something I’m thinking about more so for next season,” Walcott said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. “I think the gaffer is trying it out a little bit more.
“I’ve scored a lot of goals from the left-hand side joining in, especially when you have one man up front.
“At times you can be isolated up front on your own, but I can have license to come in off the line and get involved a bit more in the game. I got a much-needed goal for the team and me personally.
“I think you’re going to see me a lot more on the left-hand side now. I’m pretty sure of that.”
The now Sky Sports expert produced many trademark right-foot finishes during his playing days with the Gunners, bending the ball into the far corner after cutting in from the left wing, and he thinks Walcott’s move to the left is a “no-brainer”.
“I was a player more comfortable on the left because for some reason I could see the game better from that side,” the former Arsenal striker told MNF.
“I think Theo has the ability to play there, cut in and bend it so it is a no-brainer really.
“He had to deal with the likes of Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal so it wasn’t easy for him. He said it already, expect me to play there next year.”
Meanwhile, former Everton boss Roberto Martinez, who was a guest alongside Henry on Monday Night Football, believes the England international can rediscover his best form at Goodison Park in a new position.
“Walcott always had to learn how to use his pace and that decision-making at times on the left, on your wrong side if you want, gives you that extra second to come inside and have a better picture or make another decision.
“It is never too late to change your starting position in a football game.”
He added: “Goodison Park is not an easy place to play your football, but I think Theo comes across as the type of player and person that would embrace that expectation around the ground; someone that can make the final move, use his pace to penetrate and get the fans on the edge of their seat.
“I’m sure the longer he can be at Everton, we could see the best level. He’s the type of player that can get a lot of confidence in a ground like Goodison.”
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