Thierry Henry has praised Theo Walcott following his performance against Manchester United, insisting that he’s ‘answering’ what’s been asked of him and simply has to retain his starting position within the first team.

The Arsenal legend, who has been named as one of Walcott’s inspirations, hailed the striker’s ability to set up goals and contribute to the win, even though he didn’t personally score.

“He wasn’t selfish,” he said. “He set up goals, held up the ball, showed a great awareness for Alexis Sanchez’s first assist in the game.

“He didn’t score but he was a threat. There was desire, two assists and the crowd loved it.

“With what he did against United and the way he has been answering the call recently – if he can play like that every weekend he has to start.”

For Henry himself to put his faith in the 26-year-old shows just how much potential Theo must have and he’s definitely proving his critics wrong.

I was skeptical myself of Theo’s credentials as a striker, personally preferring him on the wing and finding him to be a little inconsistent in front of goal. However, the forward has rounded off his game, worked on his hold up play, learnt to track back and stopped caring about individual glory.

He’s becoming a great striker and a huge asset to the team.