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WILLIAM GALLAS has slammed his own team-mate Theo Walcott ahead of Arsenal’s crunch Champions League showdown against AC Milan in the San Siro tonight.
In an astonishingly brutal analysis of Walcott’s game, controversial Gunners skipper Gallas claims the England Under-21 striker must:
# Change his style of play
# Work harder in training
# Learn to use his left foot
# Be less predictable
# Become more focused
# Stop taking too long on the ball
French centre-back Gallas has been under fire himself for his childish antics at Birmingham last month where he sat down in the opposition half with tears in his eyes after his team conceded a last-minute penalty equaliser.
Walcott, 18, also scored twice that day — his first Premier League goals for the club — though his efforts were overshadowed by Gunners hitman Eduardo breaking a leg.
But Walcott’s progress at Arsenal has not been smooth since his move from Southampton two years ago — a move that could eventually cost the Premier League leaders £12million.
New Wayne Rooney
And even his own manager Arsene Wenger admitted the youngster, a shock pick by Sven Goran Eriksson for England’s 2006 World Cup squad, had not developed as quickly as he would like.
But Gallas’ criticism of the prospect is on another level altogether.
Speaking to GQ magazine, Gallas said: “I think Theo Walcott can be the new Wayne Rooney but he has to change his style of play.
“He must work hard in training because everyone knows where he will run with the ball.
“He goes on his right foot — so he must work to come on the inside on his left foot.
“He must be less predictable and more focused. He can also take too long on the ball.”
Asked if Walcott listens to his advice, Gallas replied: “I hope for him he does because he has great potential.”
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article871628.ece
