Camden Sports: Manuel Almunia | Theo Walcott | Bullies

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Camden New Journal - by TOM FOOT
Published: 9 October 2008

Manuel Almunia

I told Theo: You’re too nice

Gunners’ goalkeeper warned Walcott he must stand up to bullies in defence

MANUEL Almunia has revealed he warned teenage sensation Theo Walcott that he was “too nice” to play in the Premiership.
The Gunners’ goalkeeper told the midfield rocket to be more aggressive and not let defenders keep on bullying him.
Almunia said: “When Walcott used to take a tackle he didn’t reply with anything – he didn’t say anything to the referee or the opposing player. He would get tackled and stay on the floor.
“I spoke to him and I told him that he had to be more aggressive and not to be so nice on the pitch.
“He has been too nice in the last two years – but now he’s growing up.
“This season you can see when he gets tackled he gets furious sometimes. That’s a good thing and shows he is maturing.”
Walcott, 19, is going from strength-to-strength this season after securing a regular spot in the Arsenal first-time.
And after his stunning hat-trick against Croatia, fans will be watching his every step on Saturday when England take on Kazakhstan at Wembley.
Almunia added: “Watching Theo is beautiful – he is a very complete player and the most exciting Englishman right now.
“His skills are incredible and he can run the 100 metres in 12 seconds.”
Almunia, who is reportedly considering applying for British citizenship and would therefore qualify to play for England, also said that although the Gunners young squad was maturing, there was still room for improvement.
“They are more mature because they are taking on more responsibility,” he said. “But everyone has to improve.”

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