Age: 22
Nationality: English
Position: Centre Midfield
Squad no. 10
Height: 5ft 8
Interesting Fact: Jack has been with Arsenal since he was 9 years old!
Jack Wilshere is a very talented and young midfielder. He features regularly for Arsenal and his country. Wilshere came up through the Arsenal academy, and made his Arsenal debut at the age of 16 years and 256 days. Wilshere was loaned out by Arsene Wenger to Bolton wanderers in 2009 as he needed to gain premier league experiences and some first team football. The promising English talent has won many accolades, including the PFA young player of the year award, nomination to the 2010-2011 team of the season and Arsenal’s player of the season in the same year. Wilshere is a full England international, having played for his country at under 16s, under 17s, under 19s and under 21s. The 22 year old made his debut at the age of 18 against Hungary. He has made 21 appearances for his country but is yet to register a goal. Wilshere’s breakthrough season was in the 2010-2011 campaign where he played a full part in Arsenal’s season, making 49 appearances overall and impressed throughout. He was rewarded with the fans voting him player of the season. Jack is still only young and has already made 88 appearances for Arsenal and he will be a big part of Arsenals’ future as well as present.
How much will he play?
Jack Wilshere played a full part of Arsenal’s 2010-2011 campaign and was set to be a regular first team player for some time. However, in the 2011-2012 season, Jack suffered a major setback in a pre-season friendly against New York red bulls. Wilshere suffered a stress fracture to his ankle and didn’t play a single competitive game in the 2011-2012 season and also missed out on Euro 2012 with England. However, Jack recovered and featured in most of Arsenal’s games the following season. Arsenal has been known for having a fantastic midfield and Jack is definitely a part of that. However, he has been criticised by many for his performances on and off the pitch and it seems that instead of improving he has dropped in a level of quality. A fully fit Jack Wilshere should start every week under Arsene Wenger, as he has the capability to play in a number of midfield roles.
How well we he do?
After coming back from a disappointing world cup, Jack had a full pre-season with the gunners for the first time in years. Wenger keeps reiterating that this is the fittest Jack has been in years and if that’s the case I believe that this could be and needs to be the year he can push on and become a world class midfielder, similar to his team mate Aaron Ramsey. If Jack adds goals to his game and some assists, he can easily be one of the best midfielders in the league.
Read: Report cards for the whole Arsenal squad
Pace: 7/10
Finishing 6/10
Dribbling: 9/10
Passing: 8/10
Stamina: 7/10
Tackling: 8/10
Current Value: £20million
Potential Value: £40million
Overall Rating: 8/10