Almost 15 years have passed since Theo Walcott left St. Mary’s to introduce his talents in North London. Now, he is back at Southampton, on loan to Everton for the 2020/21 season at his childhood club. Walcott returns as a senior player with 483 matches with Arsenal and The Toffees.
Before landing at the Emirates, Walcott honed his skills in the Southampton youth team. He led The Saints youth team to reach the final of the FA Youth Cup 2005. Then, the player who was born on March 15, 1989, broke the club record as the youngest debutant at the age of 16 years 143 days, being demoted when The Saints were held to a draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship Division, August 2005.
“There is a rich history between this club and Walcott, so I know how special this is for him and for the fans. But, the most important thing for me is that we have recruited a player who can help the squad and give us tough options in attack, “said Southampton manager, Ralph Hasenhuettl, at the announcement of Walcott’s transfer.
At the end of his career, moving to his home club was a breath of fresh air for Walcott. At St. Mary’s, he wore the jersey number 32 again. This number was used when he started his professional career, holding him in Jersei Southampton who was still great for Walcott.
“There’s just something about being on St. Mary’s – this is a special stadium, a special place where all my best memories happen. I went through many years at Arsenal and great years at Everton too, but there is something at Southampton that always drags me here, “said Walcott.
Walcott got his second debut when Southampton faced Brighton & Hove Albion, 3 October 2020. He only played 12 minutes in that match. Meaningful performances for Walcott did not come a week later at Stamford Bridge. Walcott did well and set up Jannik Vestergaard’s goal to seal the score 3-3 at the end of the game.
Walcott has started Southampton’s last three matches. As Danny Ings was injured, he was installed as a center forward, with Che Adams. He scored another assist when he beat Newcastle United from this position.
Last week, when Southampton visited Molineux. Walcott faced familiar opponents, Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club’s opponents as he won his professional debut with Southampton. In this match, Walcott again scored a personal milestone by scoring his debut goal in his second period defending The Saints. Walcott grabbed a Che Adams cross, opening the scoring in the 1-1 draw.
The winner of two FA Cup titles with the Gunners shows that he is not finished. The five matches he played in the Premier League showed that Walcott still had speed and aggressiveness. Moving to a youth club will be a refreshing period for Walcott after being eliminated from Arsenal and Everton’s main squad.
“Every time I look down and see that badge [Southampton], it’s something that gives me goosebumps. It’s like a movie, I guess. The way they walk in full circles and someone disappears and then comes back home like Nemo – that’s what I see now, children’s movies! ”
Now, Danny Ings is still injured, and Southampton will host Manchester United in Week 10. Walcott predicted that Hasenhuettl will return to duet with Che Adams. The continuation of Walcott’s work with his childhood club is interesting to watch.
ASL
