"Judge me after a run of games," he's said. "Give me seven or eight games. I need a few games to get my rhythm, fitness and sharpness."
Now, a couple of months into the season and games under his belt, he has really found his level and it is not just England who are benefitting. Wilshere was comfortably Arsenal's best player in their defeat at Chelsea last time out and that gave him confidence and sharpness to take away on international duty.
Without question, he's a player who needs an extra bit of zip, acceleration and power to take him past players in midfield but he was outstanding for England in Estonia, running from deep, bossing midfield and supporting the attack.
It also was noticeable that the man who has attracted Paul Scholes' ire in the past had the extra burst of speed to take him past Estonian midfielders and defenders. Indeed, Scholes now reckons the Arsenal youth product is England's best player at present. Wilshere is clearly enjoying the role for Roy Hodgson's men, sitting deep at the base of the midfield diamond, which allows him to take control of the game.
It is a strange sight because for Arsenal, he is a more attack-minded player but is also proving he could do a job deeper in midfield. In his big season breakthrough back in 2010-11, Wilshere played alongside Alex Song as part of a two but he did play a deeper role and certainly has the ability, versatility and quality to do either. It is something Arsene Wenger has thought about but on current form, you'd have to argue that he would almost be wasted there.
The player himself even acknowledged this week the differences in playing both roles and that he is happy playing either, saying: "With Arsenal we don't play the diamond. It probably wouldn't suit me as much.
"We play with one holding and two ahead with two wide men so it probably wouldn't suit me as much, I probably can play that role but I enjoy playing a bit higher for Arsenal."
Then he was asked if he was happier playing further forward: "For Arsenal, yeah; for England? No," came the diplomatic reply.
But even though he is playing different roles for club and country, the confidence allied with the fitness is really helping. Wilshere is buzzing and after so many injury problems down the years, he looks very confident in his own body. There is no holding back, no worries about going into tackles and no nagging doubts in the back of his mind.
He's only 22 but has lived for so long with the tag of being English football's great hope for the future. It's been something that has been difficult for him to cope with because of injuries and the spotlight always being on him. But finally after so many interruptions and frustrations, we are really seeing a young player realising his full potential.
Arsenal and England can reap the benefits for years to come.
0 comments:
Post a Comment