Southampton and Arsenal, two clubs which have been closely associated in recent years. The former is now, contemplated by some, as a feeder club to the latter. A certain 16-year-old Theo Walcott made a move across to North London from Southampton in order to further advance his development at a big club – Arsenal. Back then, he only had one important question for David Dien, “Will I be able to train with Thierry Henry?”. The answer was “Yes”, which led to the development and rise of one the best forwards in Europe.
Walcott at 16, barely entering his teenage years, came in at Arsenal as somebody who had a lot to learn. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger knew that Walcott’s talent was worth parting with a reported £5 million, rising to £12 million depending on appearances for club and country, which Arsenal paid Southampton for acquiring the services of the youngster. Now 25, Walcott is entering his best years as a player. Over the years he’s learnt a lot, matured from a boy into a man, has taken responsibility and has been repaying the faith shown by Arsene Wenger by his performances on the pitch. The way in which Walcott’s development at Arsenal has gone about is now seen as a great example for other youngsters at Southampton to follow.
Walcott is now along with two ex-saints at Arsenal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who signed for Arsenal in 2011, and Calum Chambers being the latest player from Southampton to arrive at Arsenal this summer. Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers both have followed in the footsteps of Walcott to work and develop at Arsenal, more importantly under Arsene Wenger, who through his guidance, has transformed youngsters from being young and talented prospects into being world class players.
Walcott’s rise to prominence at Arsenal has been an influential factor in the decisions of both his fellow teammates to join Arsenal. Southampton have always had high calibre players coming through their youth academy, credit to the great youth set up at the club. They have played a massive part in the early football education of these three Arsenal players. The Saints are renowned for inculcating into these players a specific footballing philosophy present at the club.
At Southampton, young players are brought up playing a unique brand of football. Something which is very similar at Arsenal. The style of football nurtured at Southampton is up to such a notable mark that it makes it very easy for their players to adjust into a similar style of football if they decide to move elsewhere for e.g. Arsenal.
In Walcott, you have a player ready to take on excessive responsibilities for Arsenal as well as England. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s case is a ‘work in progress’ as he has very much impressed everyone a lot in his three years at the club but is yet to cement his place in Arsenal’s line up, something which seems inevitable for the 21-year-old. Calum Chambers has shown enough promise to become a top player as his development at Arsenal is yet to be seen.
These three players were were subject to some brilliant work put in behind the scenes by Southampton Football Club and will continue to further develop into top performers at Arsenal Football Club.
Theo Walcott has gone through that development phase and is ready to lead from the front in almost every aspect, now, it’s time for Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers to follow.
