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Can Arsenal’s attack-minded players benefit from Gunners legend?

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Written by Tony Merakli

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has returned to the Emirates in order to maintain his fitness, following the conclusion of another MLS season. Surely the homecoming of one of Arsenal’s greats can only have a positive effect on the current squad?

The 33-year-old arrived at the London Colney base on Monday where he has been training with Arsene Wenger’s squad. The new MLS season begins in March, and although the deal is short-term, Henry will use his time at his former club to stay fit, as well as lend a helping hand to Arsenal’s attacking players.

Although Arsenal are the Premier League’s top goal-scores, recently, the Gunners have found it hard to find the net, and most importantly, convert their countless chances into goals. Henry’s advice would unquestionably be beneficial to those who lack the killer instinct in front of goal. Not only the ability to finish, but the Arsenal legend could teach the younger members of the squad how to employ their movement and speed in the correct way.

A player that could really profit from Henry’s presence is Theo Walcott. I expect the 21-year-old to spend a lot of time with the former Arsenal skipper, as the Englishman is likened to the New York Red Bull striker. Primarily, Walcott is a striker, but Wenger has decided to utilise the speed merchant on the wing since his arrival in 2006.

Wenger signed Henry from Juventus in 1999, who at the time was a winger. However, the speedy Frenchman was successfully converted into a striker during his time at Arsenal, which resulted in Thierry Henry becoming one of the Premier League’s top strikers. Undeniably, Arsene Wenger will be hoping to do the same with Walcott in the near future.

Walcott clearly has the ability to become a great forward for the Gunners, but his decision making has been questioned on a number of occasions. However, with the tuition of Henry (even for a few weeks) Walcott could add that killer instinct that has been lacking.

Henry spent eight highly successful years at Arsenal, where he managed to win two Premier League titles, two F.A Cups and become the clubs top goal-scorer of all-time with 226 goals in 370 appearances.

Personally, I’m glad to see Henry back home, even if it’s for some training. The man is a legend, who deserves acknowledgement for what he did whilst at the North London club. I hope that his personality rubs off on the team, and more importantly, gives the squad a positive energy whilst he’s here.

This article was first published on Gunnersphere.com – you can follow Tony Merakli HERE on Twitter

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  • Smusespeemy says:

    Trouble is, I don’t get to play a lot at the moment because I’ve just signed a contract where I’ve got to do 200 shows a year in pubs, so the golf’s fallen away a bit.

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