Jack Wilshere (AFC Bournemouth)
Arguably the most surprising and unexpected loanee is Wilshere. The Englishman’s career has been plagued with injury since he rose from the academy in 2010. The 24 year-old has struggled to play a full season since 2011, making only 25 appearances in the last two seasons.
Sam Allardyce once said that England would never be able to produce players of the same technical ability as the Spanish. So it was refreshing and exciting to see the talents Wilshere possessed when he first appeared on the scene.
His performance against Barcelona at the Emirates in 2011 is widely regarded as his greatest ever game. He controlled the match as effortlessly as his midfield opponents that night. It was this memorable showing which drew massive praise from Xavi.
For a long time, fans have been locked in debate regarding Ramsey and Wilshere. But honestly, that debate remains today in my opinion, as Wilshere in particular has never been able to really show his worth consistently.
Regardless of his fortunes, Wilshere until this day remains an integral part of the England nation team. Roy Hodgson recognised that when selecting him for the Euros, despite missing an entire season. It says a lot of Wilshere’s unique talent.
However, that talent has been wasting away on an injury table. Fitness is a massive issue for Wilshere and it’s no secret that further years of absence could see all that great talent, go to no avail. You have look a few years back to recount a full pre-season of which Wilshere had played.
Wilshere may have felt the club moved on without him slightly when both Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka arrived. They joined a squad which already contains Ramsey, Cazorla, Coquelin and Ozil. Wenger knew he couldn’t afford to wait on Wilshere and acted upon that.
There’s no room for him in the team this season, so what good would it do his career sitting on the sidelines? Despite what the fans may think, a loan to Bournemouth makes perfect sense. This season is all about finding rhythm again and steering away from injury.
Wilshere’s recent contract talks with Arsenal very much suggests he retains a future at the club. He is arguably England’s best midfielder of the current generation. We know what he’s capable of, let’s hope he can show it this season.
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