Sun 04 July 2010
Argentine ace says leaving behind the Gunners man was a mistake
Arsenal’s Theo Walcott raised a storm all by himself when he became the youngest footballer to have scored a hat trick for England in 2008. That, and his flawless performance in the Champion’s League 2009-10 against Barcelona had many convinced that Walcott would be one of the key players for England in the World Cup.
The talented winger was scheduled to play for the Three Lions at the World Cup until Capello decided against it. England’s poor performance at the World Cup has convinced Lionel Messi that England could have done better with Walcott in the squad. The Barcelona star insists that Walcott could have taken on any defender with his speed and emerged as one of the best players in the World Cup.
Messi makes a special reference to Barcelona’s game vs Arsenal, in which Walcott left Barcelona in awe. Barcelona had gained a comfortable 2-0 lead, only to draw 2-2, courtesy Walcott. Theo Walcott, after watching the start of the match from the bench, put in a splendid display to revive the Gunners and get back two goals before fulltime.
Lionel Messi’s Comments:
"I must say that at the time I thought it was a bad decision to leave Theo Walcott at home. And I think that has been proved
right. I can only speak from experience but he was one of the most dangerous players I have ever played against.”
"Barcelona players are not scared easily but I can tell you that when we played Arsenal last season he truly worried us.”
"When we were playing Arsenal at the Emirates we were so in control of the game at 2-0, with all respect Arsenal were not even in the game. Then Theo came on and changed the game. He pretty much single-handedly salvaged a draw against Barcelona that night."
"Even in the return leg our manager Pep Guardiola was telling us he was the player to watch out for. And the best players in the world like Xavi and Gerard Pique were telling us to watch out for him. The truth is that he really rattled him.”
"If he could do that against Barcelona, think what he could have done against Germany and Algeria. Even if he didn't start, he would still have been very important for England.”
"Along with Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Aguero he would have been the best impact player at the World Cup."
"Even at the top level, pace scares the world's best defenders. And, take it from me, he would scare any defender.”
"When England brought on players, I don't think they were at the level to make any impact. But Walcott would have been and I still can't understand why he wasn't taken.”
"He is a big-game player as well who rises to the occasion. He scored a hat-trick in Croatia, which nobody ever does and was the star against Barcelona."
Anvita
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