Jack Wilshere says his spell on loan at Bournemouth last season helped him improve ‘massively’ on the defensive front and admits he’s now more likely to pick and choose when he dives into tackles and makes dribbles forward.
Despite a history of impact injuries, the England international has previously said that he wouldn’t alter his combative style of play – he’s known for tight control, wriggling away from opponents in tight spaces and the occasional lunge – however, with age it appears he’s been more open to adapting his game.
The 25-year-old midfielder has had to bide his time at the Emirates this season but looks set to start his third consecutive Premier League game when Liverpool visit the Emirates this evening.
“Obviously, I heard the boss [Arsene Wenger] speak about it, but I feel like it comes with age,” Wilshere told the Evening Standard.
“I picked up a lot of injuries over the years. When I used to watch my game, every time I picked the ball up I wanted to run with it, I wanted to hurt the opposition, but now I can pick my times.
“I don’t have to do it every time. Sometimes you can just pass and move into a better position. My time at Bournemouth helped me. I improved defensively, I’m not one who just dives into tackles now. I try and pick my opportunities when the ball breaks. I feel good, I’m happy with the way things are going and I’m enjoying playing here.”
On his time at Bournemouth, for whom he played 29 times, Wilshere added: “I only had a few days to pick between three or four clubs, and as soon as I spoke to Eddie [Howe] and Jason [Tindale], his assistant, it was clear to me that was the right place to go.
“It was totally different to here at Arsenal, of course. The aim at the start of the season was to stay in the League. I have never been in a position like that, so it was new to me.
“I felt I improved massively defensively, I had to learn a lot out of possession. A team like Bournemouth against the big teams would try and sit in and hit them on the break, so I learned that side of the game.”
Someone give this guy a new deal
With age comes wisdom. Hopefully it makes him well-rounded. People speak of Jack being similar to Cazorla, but I actually see more similarities with Super Tomas. Hopefully he finds that blend that Tomas had of being a playmaking CM who would suddenly shift into a dribbling forward player that would cause mass panic and chaos in the opposition’s box.
When Milan came calling, we all thought he should have jumped at the chance. Thinking upon it, it would have been hard to possibly leave his kids behind. Super Tom reminded me of the human aspect of the game. He loves this club and he fights for it. I hope him and the team a merry Christmas. And maybe a new contract underneath the tree.
sign him up!
and come on Jack, let’s see you absolutely boss it today against Pool.
I just have this funny feeling that we will win today. Also, I really want AMN to start on the Left. I say this bcuz AMN has been playing decent in that position, and most importantly, I want him there for his pace against the likes of Salah. The reason is because thats’ the side where Sanchez plays :S And knowing Sanchez, I fully expect him to lose possession on the wing and then the Liverpool midfield will launch a counter attack through Salah. And what i fear is Kolasinac who tends to heavily support the team going front, trying… Read more »
I don’t know why so many are insistent on Wilshere getting a new deal.
Hardly set the world on fire has he?
Because even if it doesn’t turn out to be a success this season, you wouldn’t have to let him go on a bosman.
Sure, there’s risk of him getting injured again but that’s hard to predict.
Extend the deal for at least three years, no wage increase, and it would be a good deal I reckon
Things are desperate for Arsenal when fans show widespread concern that a player who has delivered precisely nothing for years could leave for free in a years time.
When in the past we rested our hopes on the likes of Vieira, Petit and Fabregas we now have Wilshere….
And we are playing shit once again and we are losing.
What a bunch of spineless bottlers…
I keep saying this to myself as well but it’s hard not to. Especially when I fall asleep which happens a lot as I get older.