OPINION
Everton supporters everywhere were no doubt counting their lucky stars when the club signed winger Theo Walcott at the beginning of this year.
After all, he was renound for his lightning pace and ability to strike fear into any defence in the Premier League during his stint with Arsenal.
Which makes is all the more baffling why he has been struggling for form recently.
Yes, admittedly he did hit the ground running towards the start of the current campaign, and has three goals under his belt in all competitions – but something is just not clicking with the 29-year-old at the moment.
There are only so many chances Marco Silva will give him, but it is clear to see that he needs to play out of his skin this season to prevent being dropped from the starting XI after a series of horror shows.
Many fans would have laughed in someone’s face in January if they said that Walcott is at risk of heading out of Goodison Park – but with Ademola Lookman breathing down his neck, that possibility now looks more likely than ever.
Having a spot in the starting XI is not something that the speedster should be taking for granted as Silva will not waste time relegating players putting in minimal effort to the bench.
Fans slaughtered him for his most recent start against Liverpool last weekend, which does not come as much of a surprise – he has been missing chances a plenty and he is not providing enough service to the strikeforce.
For some reason, Silva has started Walcott in every match this term bar the 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Wednesday, a time where he perhaps came to his senses and recognised the little impact the winger has been making.
Nevertheless, Walcott must step up and start playing out of his skin, otherwise the axe will drop. It’s fair to say he is playing for his Everton career.