Dixon: Be patient with Theo

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon believes it is important not to expect too much from Theo Walcott too soon.

The 21-year-old came under criticism for not having 'a football brain' in the build up to this summer's World Cup, and was eventually axed from Fabio Capello's England squad.

Dixon believes Walcott has shown a lot of quality at a young age, and that there is no need for people to be jumping to conclusions about his ability just yet.

He said: "Walcott is intelligent. You listen to him in interviews and he sounds like a player who has been in the game for years. He has not though, he is only 21.

"We have lost patience with the modern footballer these days for lots of reasons, partly it is simply people want instant results – in life as well as football. But it does not happen just like that. At his age there will be times when Walcott plays the wrong pass and makes the wrong decision, but he will learn."

The former Gunners right-back also believes footballing instincts are not necessarily a sign of intellegence, but that how well a player can learn and add to his game is also important.

He said: "Sure, you have players who know what positions to take up on the pitch instinctively. Wayne Rooney is one, Paul Scholes is another.

"But that is rare. Most people need to be coached. You can teach them where and when to make runs. If you could not, why would we bother with coaching? If they are intelligent, they learn."

Dixon also feels it is important to remember how much Walcott has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, saying: "Not being picked in 2010 [for the World Cup] was just as beneficial because he wasn't playing well, maybe needed a jolt, and certainly needed a rest.

"Last year his shoulder injury was a real problem. When his shoulder was not right he did not have that balance. Now he is fit and has had a full pre-season, which is so important."

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