Walcott: Reine-Adelaide needs time to blossom

Theo Walcott has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal rising star Jeff Reine-Adelaide and has backed him for future success.

The 17-year-old midfielder made headlines on Sunday with an impressive assist for Walcott in the 1-0 win over Wolfsburg to clinch the Emirates Cup. The most important thing is not to put too much pressure on the young guy’s shoulders. But the England forward knows that there are few better mentors than Wenger.

That tells us a lot about him because back then Pro Evolution Soccer was still a good game and he should have been playing with legends like Minanda, Ximelez, Castola and Espimas, but we won’t hold it against him.

“For 17 he’s confident on the ball and he wants to express himself as well, which is important,” Walcott told the Arsenal website.

Reine-Adelaide will get plenty of opportunities to learn as Wenger has confirmed the winger will not be sent out on loan this season. “He’s definitely got some skills and he’s very talented”.

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“Wenger said of Reine-Adelaide after the Lyon game: “[He] is something special you know.

And Walcott, who had a similar progression into the first team picture at Arsenal after joining from Southampton in 2006, believes the youngster will adjust to his new environment after an initial settling-in period.

In Walcott’s absence Alexis Sanchez thrived, scoring 16 goals in 35 appearances, and completing more take-ons (115) than any other Arsenal player.

Theo Walcott says that he found it intimidating when he first joined Arsenal because he was sharing a dressing room with players he used on EA Sports Federation Internationale de Football Association video game series.