https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rEsVp5tiDQ
It’s not all that rosy if you’re Jack Wilshere at the moment. Once deemed as The English Messi, by the Spanish press, after appearing against Atletico Madrid in 2008, in a pre-season friendly with Arsenal – lightning quick, tearing into the left side of Madrid’s defence at will, playing as a right-wing forward. His development saw him move centrally to exert his drive and dogged determination into the Arsenal midfield, introduced off the bench to give their attacking momentum a real cut and thrust. His potential as a box-to-box midfielder was slowly coming to the forefront – most tellingly, in Arsenal’s performance of a lifetime vs Barcelona at home, where a Wilshere inspired comeback in 2011, saw the Gunner riddle the much vaunted, best team in the world with holes, beating them 2-1. That was Wilshere’s coming of age, where he drew comparisons with Arsenal legend and former skipper, Ray Parlour. Unfortunately, perhaps that’s was the moment, the exact moment when Xavi shuttled across the pitch to ask for his shirt, was the moment that young Jack let it all get to his head.
It’s not been the same since – the downfall and the injuries, and the bar fights and the smoking, among other transgressions, made his blossoming career wilt. This is as good as a time as any for Wilshere, this juncture, this sabbatical away from his beloved Arsenal, to finally apply himself and maybe do justice to all his promise.
While Jack opted to move to Roma, a veto from Arsene Wenger sees him move to the modest Premier League side of Bournemouth. Here are the three reasons why, this may be the ideal move for the 24-year-old.
#1 Rome Is In Italy
Well, it seems obvious enough, innit? Rome is in Italy, and the difference is telling. While the languid lifestyle may have been very appealing for Jack, the footballing culture is a far cry from the hustle of the English game. The tempo would have gone done a few notches, and while it would have given the Arsenal academy product a false sense of security, it won’t put him up to speed with the rigours that he needs to condition his body in.
#2 Crystal Palace Hoof It Long
Another straightforward reason. Crystal Palace are set out in a way that would do, Charles Reep, the long-ball pioneer proud. Jack’s influence in the middle would be limited to basic, linear passages of play, looking to gain the most verticle yardage, knock downs, and scraps in and around of box, instead of patient build-up play.
#3 Eddie Howe Lets The Dogs Out
Eddie Howe’s hounds from hell, Bournemouth’s full pitch pressing, and impetus on possession and economy of ball and it’s usage, on the turf, will be most in line with the template of play Arsenal exhibit. Bournemouth’s emphasis on fitness and non-stop running will assist Wilshere to regain his indefatigable levels of stamina he once used to show. All the while, the opportunity to be a stand-out performer in the system, would do his confidence a world of good than sitting and whiling away time on Arsenal’s bench.
