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Jack Wilshere has been thriving in his new role within the England team, sitting deep in the midfield and dictating the play.
It has been discussed before whether Wilshere would have the strength to cope in such a position, especially given his fragile ankle. But he has proven that he cannot only play in that position, he can also own it.
In his last four games for the national side, Wilshere has picked up the man of the match award in every one of them. His all round play has been outstanding and his lofted pass to set up Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal against Scotland was transcendent.
Naturally, the question is now being asked whether he should be allowed to adopt this role for Arsenal. Wilshere generally plays as an attacking midfielder for Arsenal and there have been glimpses of his quality when he has played so far this season. His most notable performance was against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
However, given his run of form for England in a deeper role, can Arsène Wenger really afford not to play him there for Arsenal?
There is little doubt that, given the chance, Wilshere’s performances for Arsenal would improve if he were played deeper. But at the moment, Arsène’s hand is somewhat forced.
With a fully fit team, there would be no problem with Wilshere adopting the deeper role, but as things stand, we’re very short on options for attacking midfield.
Mesut Özil is injured, and will continue to be injured for almost another two months. Tomas Rosicky still has an admirable burst of pace for a man of 34, however he cannot play 90 minutes week-in, week-out in a demanding position.
Santi Cazorla is a name that pops, but I can’t remember the last time he put in a performance that uttered even a breath of praise from me.
If Wilshere were to drop back now, there would need to be an awful lot of shuffling around in order to accommodate him in his new position.
That is not to say that he should never play there, though. When Mesut Özil returns I think Wilshere will take up his place as a deep lying playmaker and pull the strings, as Özil, Alexis Sánchez, Theo Walcott and co. lead the attack.
When that day does arrive, it would be nice to see a strong defensive midfielder lined up next to him; someone in the mould of William Carvalho to serve as his personal bodyguard and enforcer.
With Jack Wilshere in a midfield trio consisting of William Carvalho (or similar) and Mesut Özil, the young Englishman would thrive, potentially blossoming in to one of the best central midfielders in the world.