According to a recent report by the Daily Record, former Barcelona football legend Xavi Hernandez has heaped praise on reported Rangers target Jack Wilshere. The Spanish icon has tipped the former Arsenal man to become the best player in all of Scotland if he makes the switch to the Ibrox Stadium this summer. Wilshere is available for Rangers to sign on a free transfer right now, as he was recently released by West Ham after having his contract with the London club terminated. Xavi believes that Jack Wilshere would be a good fit at Rangers, and that the player himself would benefit from a move.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Xavi said, “I have had a lot of respect for Jack, for many years. I predicted he would go on to be one of the best midfield players in the world and the future of English football. That is a prediction that I am sure would have come true if it were not for some horrible injuries. Rangers could be a very good fit for him. The pace in Scotland is not as fast as England and it would give him more time on the ball. That is where he excels, his vision and passing is incredible. They are a big club with a young coach who knows what it takes to win at the very highest level.”
What Would Wilshere Bring To This Rangers Midfield?
The fact that a legendary player like Xavi Hernandez has praised Wilshere shows the kind of quality and potential that he has got. During Wilshere’s initial days at Arsenal, he was nothing short of a phenomenon, as he managed to win over the Emirates faithful in an extremely limited amount of time. If not for the untimely injuries spread out evenly over his career, who knows how far Wilshere would’ve gone in terms of footballing talent. As has been mentioned by Xavi himself, the Englishman’s passing and vision are the things that make him stand out from the rest.
A quite brilliant passer of the ball, Wilshere has the ability to unlock defences with just a single moment of brilliance, and that’s exactly the kind of player that Rangers have been calling out for. Given the slower pace of Scottish football when compared to the Premier League, Wilshere would have the time and space needed to work his magic in the middle of the park. Having trained with a Premier League club in the recent past, his fitness levels are sure to be top notch as well. With players like Roofe and Kent in there, who are willing to run in behind defences, having a player of Wilshere’s quality will definitely come as a huge boost.
Who Would Be Wilshere’s Competition In The Rangers Squad?
As things stand, Scott Arfield is the only player in the Rangers roster who is capable of operating in the number ten role. While some will argue that Bongani Zungu will provide a challenge, it’s worth considering that the South African is a central midfielder by position. Taking into account the sheer quality that Wilshere would bring, it’s safe to say that he would easily displace Arfield in the eleven. Another option that Gerrard has would see Ianis Hagi being pushed over to his preferred position as the number ten. With a very limited number of wide options to choose from however, Gerrard can’t really afford to move him over from the flank.
Xavi Believes That Jack Wilshere Would Be A Good Fit At Rangers: Does He Walk Into The Eleven?
The Ibrox club have done a lot of shrewd business over the course of the summer, with the signing of Kemar Roofe undoubtedly the most marquee one of the lot. Bringing in a player of Wilshere’s quality and experience though, would arguably trump the Jamaican’s as the most important transfer of the summer. His arrival could be the answer to Rangers’ problem with breaking down defences, as the Englishman has produced the goods against some of the best team in the world. Signing Wilshere can go one of two ways, but if they’re able to keep him fit, he will surely live up to Xavi’s prediction.
