Walcott is well known for his blistering pace, with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola declaring that “you would need a pistol to the face to stop him.” He has been likened by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger to Walcott's former teammate and captain, Thierry Henry. FIFA World Player of the Year winner Lionel Messi has described Walcott as "one of the most dangerous players I have ever played against."
Club career
Early career
Walcott was born in Stanmore, Greater London, but grew up in Compton near Newbury, Berkshire. He attended Compton Church of England Primary School and The Downs School, playing football for the local village team and later for Newbury. Walcott scored more than 100 goals in his one and only season for Newbury, before leaving there for Swindon Town. He spent only six months there before leaving for Southampton after he rejected a chance to join Chelsea. Nike agreed to a sponsorship deal with Walcott when he was fourteen years old.