'Arsene was afraid': Theo Walcott names the former Arsenal player who even Wenger was scared of

Theo Walcott has now claimed that even Arsene Wenger was scared of one former Arsenal player who once locked the whole squad in the dressing room.

Walcott enjoyed some brilliant memories under Wenger’s stewardship, with one or two Champions League moments perhaps remembered as the highlights.

Now 35-years-old and having retired for Southampton last year, Walcott’s assist for Emmanuel Adebayor’s goal at Anfield in 2008 still begs belief, a moment that will always be fondly looked back on.

And whilst the winger had plenty of other stand-out memories in north London, like the three FA Cup trophies he lifted, his time playing alongside now Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is still on his mind.

Walcott has recently spoken on ‘Up Front’ with Simon Jordan, and shared a story which perfectly delineates why so many imagined that Arteta would become the coach he is today.

Theo Walcott says ‘strong’ Mikel Arteta was already like a manager at Arsenal

Walcott recalled a period from his playing days with Arteta at Arsenal when the Spaniard had become like a second manager.

Arteta was captain at the time, and Walcott even thought his influence had grown to the point where Wenger feared him.

Walcott shared: “I remember my experience with Mikel when he was a player. Again, hindsight is a great thing, but I look at it now.

“The turning point for me was when we weren’t making top four at the time, and he, I mean, Arsene’s there.

“We have training in 30 minutes. Mikel’s literally locked the dressing room, players only, and it’s like he was, I’m taking control of this whole space. I’m going to say how it is.

“It’s an open room. If anyone else wants to speak, I’ve always stuck with me. I remember it was like he was the manager there in that moment.

“For me, that was a turning point thing, and I was like, this guy, he’d be a manager. I’d love to play with this guy. And then after that, we made top four that year, and it was that one particular speech.

“Arsene was outside waiting for us to train. We were not out there, because Mikel stopped training. That’s how strong of a character he was.

“Even Arsene was afraid of him.”

Bukayo Saka is becoming a leader at Arsenal today

It’s interesting to reflect on Walcott’s words when considering who may be a similar figure at Arsenal today.

Martin Odegaard wasn’t an obvious choice as captain when Arteta appointed him, but has grown into the role so well.

A natural leader with own standards, the Norwegian appears to be becoming increasingly vocal too.

That being said, Bukayo Saka is said to have become significantly more influential since growing closer to Odegaard, which can only benefit Arsenal.