Aaron Ramsey’s goalscoring exploits have impressed over the last two seasons, but it is a teammate he is backing to reach 100 Arsenal goals this season.

Usually used on the right wing, Theo Walcott is now playing down the middle for Arsenal and Ramsey believes the goalscoring abilities of the Englishman could see him get to an Arsenal century this season.

“He did very well at the end of last year,” the Welsh midfielder said in an interview with Arsenal Player. “He’s had a good pre-season.

“He looks sharp, he looks strong and he can be dangerous.”

Games against Everton and VfL Wolfsburg (certainly not opposition to be sniffed at) saw Walcott give Arsenal the lead. On both occasions he displayed his cool head in front of goal and the intelligent movement which Arsenal fans are by now accustomed to.

Theo Walcott celebrates scoring the opening goal of the pre-season friendly football match between Arsenal and Wolfsburg at The Emirates Stadium in north London on July 26, 2015. (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Theo Walcott celebrates scoring the opening goal of the pre-season friendly football match between Arsenal and Wolfsburg at The Emirates Stadium in north London on July 26, 2015. (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Not only does he time and execute his runs excellently, but Walcott also has a natural acceleration that makes him impossible to catch. He started up front against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday, and could be used in an advanced role more often this season.

“He is a goalscorer,” Ramsey said. “He has a load of goals for Arsenal and I think he can carry that on and maybe get into the 100 Club this year.

“He’s a very strong character. He believes in his abilities and he definitely has a lot of qualities to offer.”

Since joining at the age of 16 in January 2006 Walcott has netted 76 goals for Arsenal. It is easy to forget he joined so young and has suffered a number of long-term injury issues, 76 goals so far is by no means a poor return despite his long service.

Aaron Ramsey is backing Theo Walcott to make it to a century of Arsenal goals before the 2015/16 season is up. (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Aaron Ramsey is backing Theo Walcott to make it to a century of Arsenal goals before the 2015/16 season is up. (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Now Walcott has signed a new contract and will be eager to prove he’s worth it. After a serious knee injury early in 2014 he struggled for minutes throughout last season but seemed to score whenever he was on the pitch. He is probably Arsenal’s best finisher, a quality which is simply invaluable to any team.

“He can finish – one of the hardest things to do in football is to put the ball in the back of the net and he’s done it on numerous occasions for Arsenal,” Ramsey said. “Hopefully he can continue doing that.”

Hopefully. As long as he gets time on the pitch there is little doubt that Theo Walcott will score goals. If he stays injury free he certainly could make it to 100 goals this season.