Could Euro 2016 be this Arsenal midfielder’s chance to prove himself?

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It has been a nightmare few years for Jack Wilshere with injuries and unwanted newspaper headlines overshadowing his football.  Just three appearances this season has shown that frustration, after a mere 23 appearances in all competitions the previous season to boot. The quality is there for sure, but the lack of game time means he’s been unable to cement a position for club nor country, but with his selection in the provisional Euro 2016 squad, this could be the start of him turning his career around.

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He burst onto the scene in 2010 after an impressive pre-season, quickly slotting into the Arsenal first team picture and becoming a constant in the side for the duration of the season.  Able to dictate play from deep, carry the ball from back to front confidently and pick out a killer pass, he was a breath of fresh air to the team.

Alongside Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song and Robin Van Persie, Wilshere and Arsenal were going strong on all fronts with a Carling Cup final, Premier League title push and Champions League tie with Barcelona to come. That is where Wilshere really made his name, a performance beyond his years against Xavi, Iniesta and co. was phenomenal for an 18-year-old.

Yet, Arsenal’s season fell into mediocrity with only a top four finish to show for their efforts that season and further disappointment was to follow for Wilshere.  He missed the entirety of the 2011-12 season after continued set-backs on a stress fracture suffered to his ankle.  Every time Wilshere has returned from an injury lay-off he’s made an impact, his combative style and determination to win is effusive, making him a fan favourite at Arsenal, despite his growing spells on the sidelines.

Once more, Wilshere was having a good season and progressing as a player in 2013-14, with the highlight being
the finishing touch to one of best team goals the Premier League has seen against Norwich in October.  Wilshere was adapting to his new role on the left of midfield to accompany Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Player of the Season Aaron Ramsey together, and it was working.

However, on duty with England he was struck with another blow and ruled out for six weeks, only just making it back for a substitute entry to the FA Cup final win over Hull.  Ever since that campaign, Wilshere has failed to sustain an integral place in the Arsenal side before another injury takes him out for weeks or months.

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When in full flow, he is one of Arsenal’s best players and lifts the game of those around him with his direct play and calmness in possession.He’s not a goal-scoring midfielder like a Kevin De Bruyne or an assist king like Mesut Ozil, but Jack Wilshere has a presence in midfield to control the tempo of the game and allow a De Bruyne or an Ozil to weave their magic.

If given time to nurture to a set role in the midfield, Wilshere may become more influential and develop into the mould of an Ozil or De Bruyne.  His ability is unquestionable but aside from injuries, his attitude and incidents
off the pitch and in the news need to change as well.  The partying, smoking and unfortunate press pictures need to be cut out in order for Jack to knuckle down and earn respect for his football and not have people focus on his personal life.

His recent engagement to his girlfriend Andriani Micahel is a good sign of his maturity and what could be the start of a pivotal year for Wilshere. His selection in the Euro 2016 provisional squad is a no-brainer to me.  He is one of England’s best players every time he dawns the Three Lions jersey and aside from Dele Ali on current form,
he is England’s best midfielder.

It is not enough to focus on past performances for his country, his undoubted impact on the game and quality above other England midfielders is the reason he needs to make the final 23-man squad.  Whether he starts is determined by the system Roy Hodgson plays, he could fit alongside Eric Dier as a sitting duo in the middle or anywhere in a diamond in front of the Spurs ball-winner.

Hodgson has already waxed lyrical of the Arsenal man – “He has the personality, character and quality; to accept responsibility and pressure.” Many will question his game-time and why that deserves a place in the squad when Theo Walcott has missed out, supposedly due to, “not playing enough”.  Nevertheless, as Roy Hodgson echoes – “He is there on merit, we do not have many Jack Wilshere’s”.

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My point exactly. Wilshere is a unique player to the squad and whilst other countries have players like him in abundance, Germany, France and Spain as a few, England need players like Wilshere to make the difference.

If he stays injury-free, next season could well be the year Wilshere makes his mark at Arsenal, for England and on the European stage.  He has the talent, mentality and drive to do it, with a bit luck and the right attitude,
this could be the start of the re-emergence of Jack Wilshere.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Emrah Partal