According to a recent report by the Daily Record (and also other outlets), there have been rumours floating around about Scottish giants Rangers potentially making a move for the services of former Arsenal prodigy Jack Wilshere. The Englishman has found the going extremely tough over recent years, and injuries have hindered with his progress throughout the course of his career. Despite initially being touted to become an Arsenal star, Wilshere seemed to be perpetually injured, and it did very little to aid what was supposed to be a highly promising career.
After being eventually released by Arsenal, Wilshere went on to join fellow Premier League side West Ham United, which was understandable considering that they’re also a London club. Now though, with his West Ham contract terminated a year early as well, Wilshere is a free agent once again.
Rangers themselves, have been on the lookout for midfield options, and at 28-years-old, Wilshere does present them a good one. The midfielder has been injury-free for almost a year now, and while that could be credited to his lack of regular action, it’s a risk that may well be worth it for Steven Gerrard’s men.
What Is Rangers’ Midfield Situation?
The loan signing of Bongani Zungu from Amiens on deadline day has surely done quite a bit to bolster the Gers’ midfield ranks, but they still need a couple more quality players to really round out the squad. Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo are the other two dependable options, but apart from that, there is a general trend of inconsistency that runs through all the midfield options.
Glen Kamara has been wildly inconsistent, while Scott Arfield isn’t the kind of player who’s going to produce the goods on the big occasion. Steven Davis, on the other hand, is entering what are surely the twilight years of his career.
What Are The Two Positions That Jack Wilshere Could Fill At Rangers?
Central Midfield
Essentially, the slot alongside Ryan Jack in the core of this Rangers side has been vacant for a while. Neither Steven Davis nor Glen Kamara, have been able to perform satisfactorily enough to nail down a starting role. Wilshere has both the quality and experience required to slot into that position and control the tempo of the game with his passing and movement. Although being deployed as a number 8 would likely hinder with his attacking contributions, the fact that he’d be able to sit back and orchestrate the play could help with keeping him fit as well.
Attacking Midfielder
Scott Arfield has been utilised in the attacking midfield role for several matches now, and that is largely because of the lack of options in the wide areas. Ianis Hagi’s preferred position is down the middle, but with the likes of Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker often underperforming, Gerrard has been forced to deploy Hagi down the flank. As much as the Romanian would like to play along the middle, the introduction of a player like Wilshere into the mix could be what unlocks the trickster’s potential to operate on the flank effectively.
The Two Positions That Jack Wilshere Could Fill At Rangers: Which One Is He Better Suited To?
Although most will argue that he spent a majority of his playing time with Arsenal in the number 8 role, Wilshere would definitely be better suited to operating as the number ten. The Englishman’s passing range and vision would be second to none in the entire squad, while his ability to make late runs into the box could become a feature of their attacking play as well. As good as he is at running things in the middle, the quality that an experienced Premier League player would bring to Gerrard’s starting eleven is massive. Getting this deal over the line should be treated with utmost importance, and if they’re able to do so, then playing him as the number ten is the way to go.
