Wenger warns not expect too much of Theo

September 12, 2008

Theo Walcott came of age on Wednesday night with a fantastic performance and a sublime hat trick but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger warns the England fans not to expect Walcott to repeat that type of form in every game.

“What happened you have to consider to be an exception,”

“Even for players of 25, 26, to score three goals in an international is a one-off.

“But what is very good is that he has the confidence of Capello and he is playing at that level at 19.”

“For me, it’s important he continues to develop as a team player,” “He’s become more of a man, and become more mature in his play. He’s developed his link play, his first touch, his commitment and that’s normal from 17 to 19.

“There’s still a lot to come. From 19 to 23, you become a real man - at 19 you’re still a boy.”

Wenger was asked how good he though Walcott could be and he said:

“Don’t set any limitations on any human being. Once you have talent, the rest is down to how much you want it and how intelligent you are.

“I believe he is hungry in a quiet way, with quiet determination. I believe he is intelligent so you can be optimistic.”

Wenger was happy that Walcott didn’t get too carried away.

“That shows he is clever, well-balanced, feet on earth,”

“Straight away after the game he analysed the consequences of what happened to him. That is more important for his career than the three goals he scored - that shows a great sign of intelligence and maturity.”

Walcott has had limited chances at Arsenal in his first 2 seasons with only 14 league starts but he has started to get more games recently and he is starting to become more and more of a feature in the England side which can only be good for the young England player.

“I am not surprised because he is a player who has got timing with his runs and he is a clinical finisher who can score goals,” Wenger added.

“I always believed he will be a fantastic player.”

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