Theo Walcott has been getting to grips with all areas of being a striker and is particularly proud of how he’s been ‘getting in the faces’ of opposition players, namely Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Against Manchester United in the Premier League, Theo tracked back and put in a sliding tackle on Schweinsteiger, which sent the home crowd into raptures. It’s becoming clearer and clearer that the 26-year-old is developing into a fine striker and learning the ins and outs of what makes a true forward successful.

According to Theo, this is partially down to Wenger asking him to be more aggressive with his play.

“I actually said, ‘do you want me to get stuck into people?’ That was my reaction,” Walcott said.

“He said, ‘no, I’m not saying that’. He wanted me to be more aggressive in terms of running at players, closing them down, tracking back, being there and in their faces.

“Arsene wanted me to be more aggressive on the pitch. And maybe he’s sensed I’ve done that.”

Theo seemed particularly proud of his tackle on Schweinsteiger saying, “When you are tracking back people wouldn’t imagine that Theo Walcott is going to tackle Schweinsteiger.

“No, it’s never going to happen!”

The forward’s dedication to learning and really becoming the player he wants to be is admirable. He hasn’t just expected to be stuck up front and have everything laid out on a silver platter for him; he’s learning about tracking back, hold up play, asking advice and looking to other players to improve. It’s great to see.