I think we can all agree that Jack Wilshere’s form this season hasn’t lived up to that of the past two campaigns or so for the Gunners.
The 21-year-old industrial midfielder has shot to stardom for Arsenal and England following a successful loan spell with Bolton in 2010, playing and performing on a consistent and impressive level for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Wilshere was undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s best players in a team which featured the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri. Many believe he came of age against Barcelona in the Champions League, outshining Xavi and co. in midfield.
However, this season, the England international looks a shadow of his former self.
But why is that?
Some may say the hype has gone to his head. Others might say he still hasn’t fully recovered from his injuries last season. While many may say his poor form is purely down to him playing out of position.
Since the arrival of Mathieu Flamini on a free and Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid for £42.2 million, not to mention Aaron Ramsey’s superb form for the club thus far, Wilshere cannot seem to get a look in his favoured position. And with Mikel Arteta back from injury, the young Englishman has had to settle and adapt to a wide role. It’s a position he has played in before – when he was younger – but clearly the side isn’t getting the best out of him out there. He lacks the pace and skill to succeed out wide, and, at times, disregards his defensive duties to the annoyance of several Arsenal fans (including me).
Don’t get me wrong, on his day, Wilshere is a fantastic player and asset for both club and country, and should be one of the first names on Wenger’s team sheet, but not while he is performing like this and more so, if he playing out of position.
So does his poor form this season ultimately come down to being deployed in an unaccomplished position? I think so. But I also believe he needs to keep things simpler when in possession.
There’s a serious myth here – perpetuated by the sheep that follow other people’s opinions because they are unable to formulate their own – that Wilshere has been poor. He hasn’t! Ramsey has been outstanding so everyone evaluates that as Wilshere being poor.
He has been excellent this season in what he has had to do. His poorest game was the 1st half against WBA, but was probably the best player on the 2nd half.
He was outstanding in Marseille – was the main contributor to the first important – and equally great at Swansea – where he won a terrible pass by Ramsey to create the second goal with Giroud.
If Cazorla or Ozil could pick a player to play with it would be Jack. We have an absolute diamond at this club with Wilshere and need to stop sprouting crap because the odd tabloid tells us to think this way.
I presume people who write blogs like this dont go home & away and see the box-to-box input of Jack. Either that or basically know nothing about football.
I was with you right up until the “where he won a terrible pass by Ramsey” bit. That was an ingenious little flick from Ramsey. Admittedly Wilshere then had to win a challenge but it was a very very clever flick on without even looking
PS if this blog is related to the same Gunnersphere podcast – well, enough said. That podcast is the absolute worst podcast around. Utter tripe!
Factually….Jack appears to be lacking his class on the pitch due to the outstanding current performance of Ramsey, Flamini, Ozil and even Rosicky when he is on the pitch!
Out of position? Not really. All professionals need to adapt to the needs of the team abd the formation for that day!