Arsene Wenger introduced him as the player with a Spanish technique but with an English heart; Jack Wilshere’s career has been a story of injury impeding football. When Wilshere first broke into the scene and made his debut at the age of 16, Arsenal’s youngest ever debutant, people talked about the arrival of the next great English potential.
With his movement, vision, passing and combination play, as well as his leadership on the pitch and the supernatural ability to turn games on its head with moments of magic, Wilshere can be the master of the midfield for any club on his day.
However, his career has so far been nothing short of frustrating for the fans, the club and the player himself. Several severe injuries have blighted his career and at the age of 25, English fans are still waiting to see the best of Jack Wilshere.
He is now being reported with a move away to Spanish side Real Betis, who believe they have a chance of luring away the Englishman. If such a move does materialize, Wenger will need a list of possible players who can replace him. Here is a look at a few of them.
Kevin Strootman
Strootman made an impressive start to his life at Roma and became one of the most influential players in the team. His stock rose rapidly as he became a well-renowned talent across in Europe. Strootman’s yearlong injury in the middle slowed down his progress. However, he has now recovered well and is on his way to becoming the midfielder he was in the past. He has forced his way back into the first team at AS Roma and is now a regular starter for the Italian side.
Strootman’s return to form has again seen interest in him rise with English sides Arsenal and Manchester keen on the Dutchman. Strootman is a midfield enforcer with a good tackling sense and the ability to play key passes into the forward line.
Joe Willock
The homegrown gem, Joe Willock, can be another player to fill in for Wilshere. He made his debut this season for Arsenal in the league cup clash against Doncaster. He also featured in the second league cup match against Norwich City.
Willock has a calm head on him and a decent passing range. Add to that, his knack of dribbling past a few in the middle of the park and Arsenal might have a future winner in the ranks. If Wilshere does end up leaving, it will only mean more game time for Willock, a perfect medicine for the youngster to grow into a first team star before a hopeful return to Champions League football next season.
