Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has named his two young stars to watch for next season – starting with West Ham’s Manchester United’s West Ham’s current West Ham player, Manchester United target and always Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez,
Petit told The Guardian,
“Amid all the controversy the guy’s footballing talent has been completely overshadowed. If any other player had rescued his club like he did, we would all be shouting from the rooftops. In addition to his skills he has passion, positive anger, an amazing attitude and, at 23, he is yet to reach his peak.
“What I love most, though, is the way he can change a game by himself. I was at West Ham’s match against Bolton in May. As West Ham’s only likely saviour Tevez was under extraordinary pressure to perform. He scored two goals and created the third in a 3-1 win. He was undoubtedly the Premiership’s finest performer in the second half of last season and there is no one I would rather watch this time around.”
Hard to argue with that, Tevez’ performances to keep West Ham up was really quite stunning. Going from the personification of the Hammers’ on and off pitch struggles to one of their heroes in the space of few months was easily one of the stories of the season.
Petit also thinks it could be a breakout year for Arsenal striker/left-midfield thing Theo Walcott,
“The circumstances of Theo’s move to Arsenal and inclusion in England’s World Cup squad ensured he spent last season under huge pressure. I’ve seen the boy train and I can tell you he is something special. At times last season he reminded me of a wild horse – amazing speed but unsure of his direction. This campaign he must have the direction, the confidence and, above all else, an ability to score goals for his team.”
Wild horse. Boat without a rudder. Drunk hobo with rabies. Two out of those three things were often mentioned in the same breath as Walcott last season and his role as understudy to Thierry Henry was cut slightly short by the Frenchman pissing off to Barcelona. Learning from Emmanuel Adebayor won’t be quite the same, and it better not involve dancing lessons.