Wenger Lambasts Bentley For Comments On Walcotts Progress

Posted on March 7, 2008
Filed Under Uncategorized

Blackburn’s David Bentley has often pointed to his decision to leave North London in 2006 as a pivotal point in his now flourishing career.

Since the move, the midfielder has become an integral member of Rovers’ first team and has even played his way into the England fold.

In contrast, 18-yr-old Theo Walcott has failed to live up to the high expectations his large price tag bought, although in fairness his performances have just started to become better.

Yet, Bentley felt the teenager might do better away from the pressure that comes with playing for the league leaders, a view that Wenger has fervently rejected.

“I don’t know why one player should incite another to leave his club,” said Wenger.

“It’s not his job. I don’t know why he should say that. “I’m not interested in these kind of opinions. What is important is what the player really wants.

“I don’t give a big importance to his opinion. I believe what is important is that Walcott progresses well. Bentley is entitled to his opinions but it doesn’t mean he’s right.”

Instead, Wenger believes Walcott will fulfill his potential with the Gunners, and the Frenchman pointed to his past successes with promising youngsters as evidence that the England U-21 striker is at the right club and on the right path.

“When you are at one of the biggest clubs in the world you have to accept competition,” Wenger added.

“If you accept it, competition makes you better. If you move down you’re not at the top.

“I believe Theo will establish himself here. People forget he is still very young. At 18 it is very difficult to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world in a regular position.

“At the moment he has one big quality – when he comes on he has a big impact. He’s not there completely yet when he starts, but that is transitional. He will soon have exactly the same impact when he starts.

“You can interrupt that kind of progression and development of a player by moving. You can also get lost in the move. I believe Bentley’s situation was completely different to Theo’s.

“He is a different player to a few months ago. Between 18 and 20 a player really develops. I took (Nicolas) Anelka at 17 and for the first four months he looked completely behind the team. Within another two months he was in front of Ian Wright. Every day goes for you at that age.”

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