The lost boy of English football has another chance to restore his reputation. Jack Wilshere is back in the England squad for the friendly matches against the Netherlands and Italy. Will his performances be good enough to gatecrash Gareth Southgate’s 23 for the World Cup?
Wilshere, 26, can also help salvage Arsenal’s campaign. wholesale nfl jerseys Increasingly, it appears Arsene Wenger’s team can only qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League. Even though his future at the Emirates is uncertain, Wilshere has been one of the few Arsenal players whose effort and commitment in difficult times cannot be faulted. His performances may not be enough to earn him the contract he wants in North London, but the midfielder is certain to be in demand if the club allow his contract to expire in the summer.
It’s certainly not the position you expected for Wilshere at this juncture in his career. He should be nearing the peak of his powers instead of trying to rebuild his career. He has been around a long time, he made his Premier League debut at 16 and was overhyped at the start.
In some ways, Wilshere appeared to be a throwback to a different age in English football. He developed the image of being one of the lads — at Arsenal’s FA Cup victory parade three years ago he taunted Tottenham Hotspur fans — and was pictured drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Injuries hampered his development, while Roy Keane called him the “most overrated player on the planet.” When Wilshere was sent on loan to Bournemouth last season, it appeared he was on the decline.
There are flaws in Wilshere’s game. For example, he sometimes lacks positional awareness, becoming fixated on the ball and losing track of opposing runners when Arsenal cede possession. In the early years at the Emirates,nfl jerseys china he would respond to difficult periods in matches by making ostentatious, clumsy tackles, risking injury to both himself and rivals. The fans in the stands appreciated his effort, but the results were frequently counterproductive.
Yet there is so much to like about Wilshere’s ability and attitude. He never hides.
More talented players in the Arsenal midfield go missing at times of intense pressure, but Wilshere is always looking to get on the ball. He shoulders responsibility– sometimes to the detriment of his own performance — and never shirks from the battle.
