Per Mertesacker has said that the fitness of Theo Walcott is vital to Arsenal’s success this season. The Englishman has been one of the outstanding performers this campaign and is joint-top goalscorer with Alexis Sanchez (via 101GreatGoals).
Per Mertesacker is still suffering from the knee injury which has kept him out of action for all of this season. The time on the sidelines has given the club captain a chance to watch from afar and Mertesacker has given his take on the season so far.
The German World Cup winner believes that one man is key to the season’s success: Theo Walcott. The winger has started the season extremely well with five goals in his eight matches so far and Mertesacker clearly thinks that Walcott is important to the team.
“We have many very good players in our squad.” Mertesacker told 101GreatGoals. “For sure, Theo and Alexis are among them. And Theo needs to stay fit. As long as he does I expect a lot more to come. We need him.”
Walcott has really stepped it up this season after a shaky couple of years. There were even rumours that the Englishman would be leaving the club during the summer but on current form, he’s a key player in an exciting side.
“The team and our staff put a lot effort in and we get results.” Mertesacker continued. “But it is necessary to keep on working together. Everyone at the club gives his best for the team’s success. It is not all about the first eleven
“I mentioned Theo needs to stay fit, but we all need to. We have so many games to play. As soon as anyone needs a rest, another player can step in and play his part. We both [Aaron Ramsey and I] are looking forward to being back on the pitch soon.”
The German’s contract expires at the end of the season and Mertesacker also gave a response to the rumours that former club Werder Bremen are interested in bringing the defender back.
“I don’t know yet. My first priority is to get back to full fitness which will still take awhile. So let’s see…”
It’s a shame that injury has blighted what could be Per Mertesacker’s last season at the club. The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and there is no sign that he will sign a new one. Should he leave then the German will be fondly remembered by Arsenal fans for his presence both on and off the pitch.