Arsene Wenger has suggested Jack Wilshere’s best position lies in a more advanced, central midfield role.
The Frenchman didn’t say Wilshere’s strongest position was at number 10, so he clearly views the 4-1-4-1 formation as the perfect set up to utilise the players qualities.
Wenger questioned Hodgson’s decision to deploy Wilshere at the base of the midfield: “He is back physically to where he was before, he is not a ball-winner. I believe he is more a guy who you want to get close to the final third. To keep him deep, you take a big part of his efficiency away. He is a guy who likes to penetrate when there are many people. He can provoke free-kicks, he can create openings. It would be detrimental to his strengths and a position that is not his strength.”
Wilshere’s best position has been a topic which few Arsenal fans fail to agree on. He lacks the final ball to be a top number 10, but lacks defensive discipline to hold the midfield. I think Arsene has found the right balance with Wilshere playing him in the 4-1-4-1 formation. Whilst this formation is damaging for players like Ozil, it does allow Ramsey and Wilshere to play their best football.
It’s exciting to see Wilshere back at his best, and even better that Wenger has identified the midfielders best position. Giving him consistent games in his preferred role will allow him to become the world class player we all know he can be.
Wenger also spoke on his pride at seeing so many Arsenal players in the England team.