Whelan: Everton star fighting for his future under Ancelotti
When Everton first signed England international Theo Walcott from Arsenal it was seen as something of a coup; the perfect move for everyone involved.
He’s an experienced player with electric pace and a decent track record at the Emirates Stadium.
However, it’s simply not worked out for the Toffees or for Walcott himself. He’s failed to find consistent form and is something of a liability at the moment.
It’s no surprise, then, that former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes the 30-year-old is in a fight for his Goodison Park future.
“[Carlo] Ancelotti analyses everyone, that’s why he’s a top-class manager,” he told Football Insider. “And the pressure is on certain players to produce because right now, he isn’t going to get rid of any players as they’ve all got a clean slate and you know, they still need the experience and quality that he possesses.
“But, at the end of the season, if he hasn’t produced the goods under the new manager, he’ll be on his way, no doubt about it.
“I don’t think Ancelotti messes about when it comes to players, he’ll then have his own money to spend on bringing players in, so you know, it’s a really crucial time for a lot of Everton players at the club as they have to cement their future.
“If not, it is see you later and Ancelotti will bring in his own players.”
Is time almost up for Walcott?
When Whelan says that if Walcott doesn’t perform between now and the end of the season that he’ll be sold, he’s absolutely right.
The former Gunner is yet to score this season, while he’s produced just one assist. That’s despite averaging 1.5 shots per game. Hardly accurate, is he?
The problem at the moment is that Ancelotti doesn’t have a whole lot of other available options in the attacking midfield positions right now. That will change soon, of course, but until then Walcott will play. Whether he performs well, though, remains to be seen.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti has provided a positive update on the fitness of one Toffees regular.