by Nia Griffiths

Jack Wilshere has admitted while away in Singapore for Arsenal’s pre-season tour, that competition for spaces within the team is tough, but he wouldn’t expect it to be any other way.

The midfielder, who suffered from ankle ligament damage against Manchester United and missed the majority of the last season, said that although it is hard to get that starting spot, he’s up for the challenge. He also spoke about reaching fitness and our upcoming fixture against Everton.

(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

“It’s unbelievable and it’s down to us as individuals to make that place ours,” the 23-year-old said. “That’s going to be tough, of course it is, but I’m up for the challenge and I’m sure all the other boys are as well.”

On the secret to success, particularly during pre-season, he said, “I think [it’s just about getting fitness]. We want to win every game and the boss tells us that before the game, and stuff that we can work on during the game, but the main thing here is fitness.”

The Gunners face Everton on Saturday 18th July in their second match of the Barclays Asia Trophy. Our first fixture came against Singapore Select XI on Wednesday, which we won 4-0, with Wilshere scoring a penalty in the second half.

On the upcoming fixture, Wilshere said, “Especially in this heat, you want to work on winning the ball back high up the pitch and when we have it, we want to keep it because you don’t want to be chasing too much. Everton like to keep the ball so we want to keep it as much as we can.”

Everton, on the other hand, drew their first match of the pre-season tournament 0-0 with fellow Premier League team, Stoke City.