Arsenal Football Club goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is full of praise for Theo Walcott.

The Gunners forward has really burst onto the scene this season, highlighted by his England hat-trick in Croatia, and his goalkeeper at club level is clearly very impressed.

"I can only say that Theo is beautiful playing football. To me he is like a machine, it's unbelievable," said Almunia. "I enjoy it a lot when I see Theo playing in training, and also because he is a very nice guy.

"He is by far the most exciting young English player I have ever seen. His skills are incredible and I am sure that over 100 metres he would get a good time.

“With the ball also he is very good technically. He has a lot of discipline, he is a very complete player. Theo is growing up and I think it's going to be great for England."