At the age of 16 years and 256 days, Jack Wilshere made history, as he became the youngest ever premier league debutant for Arsenal, coming on in the late stages of a comprehensive victory over Blackburn Rovers. At this stage, little was known of the youngster, but many in the game claimed he was a great prospect and had a sparkling future ahead.
In the pre-season before the start of the 2009/10 season, his reputation was further enhanced after he shone in a Emirates cup game, scoring a brace against Rangers. He was on the cusp of the first-team from then on but never really had a proper look-in, and subsequently he joined Bolton on loan in January, returning with 14 games and a premiership goal under his belt. The 2010/11 season was to be his proper breakthrough, and at 18 he already looked like a world beater. This was epitomised in his display against Barcelona where he stood out against players such as Xavi and Iniesta. At this stage the young man was getting huge plaudits and the future looked bright, despite some criticism that he didn’t create or score enough goals.
However, in the close season of 2012 he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, and it took him a whole year to recover. Upon his return, he struggled to be influential during matches, and i believe that it is only now he is fully recovering from his injury setbacks. Scholes’ criticism of Wilshere was probably correct when you stare solely at his figures; 131 appearances and only 10 goals to show for it. However though, you have to take into account that he has had constant injury setbacks, is still young and developing and is often played out of position, either on the wings or in holding midfield, even though his natural position is probably attacking midfield. In England, we jump to conclusions too quickly and criticise young players very easily if they don’t live up to what we think they should be. If players were just left to develop at their own rate without so much pressure put upon them then it is only going to help them.
Scholes’ words came after Arsenal had conceded a last-minute goal to Swansea in late March.
“He came on the scene and looked a top young player but he has never really gone on” he said.
“He needs characters like Vieira to take him to the next level. He doesn’t look any better now than he did when he was 17”
Ultimately Scholes’ words may have been a little harsh but you can definitely see where he is coming from. Wilshere has been around for quite a while now and definitely needs to take his game to the next level. I myself have been critical of him in the past, but I would love it no more than for him to prove me wrong. The class is clearly there and we’ve seen glimpses of it, but its time to show it on a regular basis. Hopefully he can come back firing on all cylinders next season and have an impact similar to Ramsey did after he fully recovered from his injury problems.
What do you think? Comment below.
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Photo via Ronnie Macdonald