Can this Gunner become a ‘world-class’ act?

Ray Parlour believes Jack Wilshere can become a ‘world-class’ act, but only if the midfielder manages to stay injury-free this season.

The 23-year-old’s development in the past few seasons have been hampered by injuries, but made an impact in the closing stages of the previous campaign.

Wilshere went under the knife in November and made his comeback in May for the Gunners. And while he was being heavily linked with a move to City, the England international proved why he is a valuable member of Arsene Wenger’s team by netting three superb goals for club and country against West Brom and Slovenia respectively.

Many have a different view on Wilshere, but Parlour reckons the tenacious midfielder can become a world-class player – if he manages to stay fit.

Speaking to Sport Review, the former Gunner said:

‘Injuries have probably stopped him getting to world-class but if he can stay injury-free for two or three seasons, I think we’ll see the best of Jack Wilshere. He’s certainly a top-class player.

‘We’ve seen what he does – when he played for England he was superb and scored two cracking goals. That is one part of his game he probably has to improve, scoring a few more goals from midfield.

‘But he’s such good quality, I remember at 15 when he first came over to train with the lads, he was so confident about his own ability, training with Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, he was superb and I always said he would be a star of the future.’

Wilshere certainly has the ability and is regarded by many as one of Arsenal’s best players.

But will the England international ever be a world-class act?

Personally, I think the word ‘world-class’ is thrown about too much these days, but Wilshere can become a very, very good player for club and country. But, like Parlour stated, only if he manages to stay out of the treatment room.

At 19, Wilshere was bossing that Barcelona midfield of Andres Iniesta and Xavi. Unfortunately for Jack, he picked up a few injuries since then which has stunted his development.

But if Jack solely focuses on his football, stays out of the spotlight for the wrong reasons off the pitch and remains injury-free, then there is no reason why we can’t see the best of him this season.