Walcott tips starlets to shine

Theo Walcott says he has been impressed by what he's seen of Arsenal youngster Ryo Miyaichi this pre-season.

The Japanese forward signed for the Gunners last season, but spent time on loan at Feyenoord before finally joining the first-team for the start of the new campaign.

Arsène Wenger has hinted the 18-year-old could be a first-team regular this term, and Walcott believes he has the quality to make an impact.

He said: "He wants to be his own player, he is a confident lad and will hopefully have a good career at Arsenal.

"He has got a few stepovers more than me, I don't do any! That is maybe something I could bring into my game.

"If I don't come top [of the speed tests in pre-season] I'm not bothered because the most important thing is doing it on the pitch. But it will be tough to beat me, that is for sure!"

Walcott also had praise for young defender Carl Jenkinson, who recently joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic.

He said: "He looks very confident and it is great to see. He is not shy at all which is nice for a new lad coming in, especially at a young age.

"It's a bit daunting at first but all the players have helped bed him in and that showed in his game [in Asia]. He is very positive and I enjoyed playing with him."

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