Theo Walcott’s Premier League career looked finished, but now he’s ageing like a fine wine

When news emerged that Theo Walcott would be returning to the club where it all began, Southampton fans responded with a mix of excitement and scepticism. But, having now made four appearances this season for the Saints, he’s instantly become a fan’s favourite once again.

On paper, hearing that you’re about to sign a 31-year-old winger on loan from Everton who scored two Premier League goals last season isn’t exciting. However, when you’re a Southampton fan and that man is Theo Walcott, you may think differently.

Having made his professional debut for the south-coast club as a 16-year-old, Walcott will always have a place in the hearts of Southampton fans, being used as a constant example to academy youngsters of how you will get an opportunity if you work hard and are good enough.

However, the player who re-signed for Southampton in early October isn’t the one who left for Arsenal in January 2006. This Walcott has plenty more experience, but Saints fans weren’t wrong to question what input he’d have in the team after struggling for game time at Everton, particularly under Carlo Ancelotti.

Thankfully, he’s surpassed everyone’s expectations and has simply been fantastic.

On Monday night, Walcott scored his first goal for the Saints since returning to the south-coast, giving Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side the lead away at Wolves. The winger-turned striker beat Nelson Semedo to the back-post to tap in Che Adams’ cross in the second-half and the ear-to-ear grin on his face said it all.

Southampton couldn’t hold on to win the game as substitute Pedro Neto bundled the ball in on the rebound past Alex McCarthy after Raul Jimenez’s effort struck the post, but it was a decent point for the Hampshire club, who remain fifth in the table.

Walcott would’ve felt aggrieved not to have doubled his tally and Saints’ lead on the night after fluffing his lines having been played into a one-on-one position by strike partner Adams, who the 31-year-old has linked up with well.

However, it wasn’t just Walcott’s offensive play that impressed on the night, but his defensive too. Despite being played up front as Danny Ings’ replacement, the loanee from Everton didn’t shy away from a tackle or an interception, a real student of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s pressing system.

In his first four games back on the south-coast Walcott has registered two assists and a goal, certainly exceeding the expectations of Saints fans.

A back-up to Stuart Armstrong on the right-hand side was certainly needed in the transfer window, but Ralph Hasenhuttl has seen enough from the Premier League veteran to start him ahead of Nathan Redmond, who has struggled for form this term.

It’s not only on the pitch where Walcott is having an impact though. Having been one of the club’s academy’s best youth products, he is a constant inspiration to the youngsters coming through. 

Nathan Tella, who has made a few substitute appearances for Saints this season, has commented on Walcott’s impact and how the younger players are very keen to learn from him.

After a tough conclusion to his Arsenal career and a mixed tenure at Goodison Park, Theo Walcott needed a bit of TLC, to feel the love again. He’s certainly found that back where it all started and he’ll keep receiving appreciation from the fans, albeit not in stadiums just yet, if he keeps putting in those sorts of performances.

 

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