Jack Wilshere Can Still Make An Impact At Arsenal

Jack Wilshere Can Still Make An Impact At Arsenal
10:16, 30 Sep 2017

“World class” was how John Hartson described it in commentary. Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but Jack Wilshere’s performance against BATE Borisov was certainly deserving of plaudits. 

The England international, given freedom in an advanced, No.10 role, excelled as Arsenal attacked with verve and pace in Belarus. It was an opening 25 minutes of blistering offensive play from the visitors, at the centre of which was Wilshere, ubiquitous in every successful forage forward. 

He created Theo Walcott’s opening goal, and could have racked up a few more assists following some typically aesthetic interplay on the edge of the box. This was an impressive demonstration of Wilshere at his best.  

For a midfielder so often shackled, played as a deep-lying playmaker for much of his injury-hampered career, Wilshere was given some much-needed licence to roam against admittedly below-par opposition on Thursday evening. 

He looked revitalised, refreshed, and ready to make a more lasting impact for Arsenal this season. "I definitely feel I am back," Wilshere said after the 4-2 victory. "I felt good coming back to Arsenal and into training and (Arsene Wenger) has been good. 

"It has been a while since I felt like a proper Arsenal player but I am back, playing these types of games." 

Of course, there will remain doubts, predominantly over fitness and consistency. But Wilshere made 27 appearances in the Premier League while on loan at Bournemouth last season, and as he himself has pointed out, only succumbed to injury in April. 

One performance will not expel the critics and sceptics, though. And even amongst his most optimistic supporters, there will still be a feeling of caution.  

However, Wilshere’s effervescent display against Borisov was one that will have undoubtedly encouraged Arsene Wenger. There were moments of individual skill, clever touches and flicks, that served as a reminder of his superior technical proficiency. 

Wilshere is not a player that has been held back by a lack of ability, and it seems now he is motivated to ensure that he does not allow his second chance at the Emirates to slip through his fingers. 

“He had an outstanding first half and he fought until the end,” said Wenger. “I think he is on a good way back to his best and he showed that tonight. He is at an age where a player usually gets to the best of his career. He has only been stopped by a series of injuries. 

“I just pray that he is not hampered any more by any problems, then you will see him getting stronger and stronger. He has shown again tonight he has not lost his quality.” 

There is an air of positivity surrounding the player, one that has been absent for many years. The weariness that some still feel, the fear that he will again be setback by another long-term injury, appears to have been overshadowed by his pure determination to succeed. 

Wilshere is still only 25 – at times it seems he has been in the nascent stages of his career for decades – so time is very much on his side. Last season’s move to the south coast may have been exactly what he needed to reignite a dwindling but still promising career. 

It would be sensationalist and premature to say that Wilshere has already established himself as key part of Wenger’s plans for the remainder of the season; his current contract still expires at the end of this campaign and another injury could dispel much of his recent progress. 

But Thursday night felt like the start of a mini-renaissance. Soon, and with luck, Wenger could have another, equally competent, attacking midfielder at his disposal to challenge Mesut Ozil. 

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