Theo tipped to emulate Henry

Arsene Wenger believes Theo Walcott can make the same sort of impact at Arsenal as Thierry Henry, admitting the England international is 'very close' to playing as a striker.
Henry became a Gunners legend during eight years with the club from 1999 to 2007 and Walcott has always been likened to the Frenchman in terms of playing style.
But whereas Henry was transformed from a wide man into a centre-forward by Wenger, Walcott has primarily been used as a winger at Emirates Stadium since his arrival from Southampton.
Wenger has noted an improvement in Walcott's finishing this season and thinks the 21-year-old could have a long-term future up front.
"Theo is very, very close to playing that striker role. He can be a prolific striker," said Wenger.
"The thing is with you in England, you are very impatient.
"Don't forget that when Thierry Henry came here, he was a winger. When I played him as a central striker, he said to me 'But I can't score goals'.
"I knew Thierry when he was 14 and at 15 knew he could score goals because he played central. Then I left Monaco and they moved him to the flank but I knew in my head he could do it.
"It looks to me that Theo has a calmness in front of goal. Before, he rushed his decision but now he is different in front of goal.
"It's difficult to compare the similarities. Is Thierry a replica of Theo? Is Theo a replica of Thierry? No. But they have in common tremendous pace, they are good finishers and both are intelligent.
"To go through what Theo has gone through, live it, as he has lived it, is incredible."
Arsenal are renowned for their attractive passing game and often have to show patience as they look to break teams down, but Walcott's blistering speed offers an extra dimension
"Theo is the quickest player I've ever seen whereas Thierry is a player who likes the ball more. But Theo is more direct," Wenger explained.
"Our game is based on team play and the guy who gives an assist is as important as the guy who scores the goal.
"Theo has convinced a lot of people. He gives us hope when you see the team struggle because Theo can make a difference with his pace."
Wenger is a fan of Walcott's attitude as well as his footballing ability, saying the youngster was very dignified in the way he handled his World Cup snub this summer.
"His attitude, his commitment, no matter through good or bad times, he shows commitment and humility - respect as well," said Wenger.
"He never makes any stupid statements. He has faced everything with intelligence and humility.
"He went to the World Cup at 17, had never played a Premier League game before and after he had to go with the Under-21s at 20 and still he said: 'OK, I will show on the pitch what I can do'.
"Then this summer he wasn't taken to the World Cup. At 17, he was taken to the World Cup and he wasn't at 21."
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