Jack Wilshere has revealed the role Arsene Wenger’s given him in the current Arsenal team and explained why he’s flourishing there.
Wilshere has explained his role at the moment when he does manage to get minutes for Arsenal. It’s sort of like a no.10 in terms of freedom while playing deeper when needed.
“I can play in the deeper midfield role, which I did against Doncaster, and then I went and played on the left,” Wilshere told Arsenal Player.
“I say on the left, but the boss told me before the game that he wanted me to come inside, get in the pockets [of space]. He didn’t want me to play as a left winger. It’s almost like a No 10 position if you like.
“You can come into that position, and me and Theo were switching in the game. I’m enjoying both roles to be honest and looking forward to getting more minutes in both.”
Playing the 25-year-old as a deep-lying playmaker benefits the different aspects of his game. He’s like a little terrier with the ball and, despite his injuries, is fearless and stocky enough to barrel through players and make marauding runs through midfield. But he also has an eye for a pass and the left foot to pick it out.
Walcott’s goal which put Arsenal 1-0 up vs Bate, great assist from Wilsherepic.twitter.com/OehGHXRT0u
— IDontLikeSpurs (@IDontLikeSpurs) September 28, 2017
The Englishman has made three appearances for Arsenal so far this season and managed an assist against BATE Borisov in the Europa League. He’s looking sharp, impressive and fit. However, anyone who’s watched Wilshere play will know that his injury-proneness means that his ankle could go any second.
That’s why, I imagine, Wenger’s introducing him back to the fold agonisingly slowly.
Hopefully Wilshere can continue getting minutes. He’s just happy to be playing at the moment. If he can stay fit, Arsenal may offer him a new deal, which would be brilliant considering how far he’s come over the past year.