With the Xhaka signing imminent, Arsenal’s midfield faces a big shake up. For the first time in a while, Wenger has brought someone in who could start day one. This not only increases the competition for places but gives the manager quite the selection dilemma.
Cazorla, Xhaka, Ramsey, Elneny, Coquelin and Wilshere are the choices for the two holding positions. There is a silver lining for Wenger, his new plethora of midfield players allows him to have variety in his tactics just by switching the midfield pairing. We will look at how, often injured Jack Wilshere, will fit into the team when healthy.
Despite his long stints on the sidelines, it is clear that when he is fit and at his best, Wilshere is not only one of Arsenal’s best midfielders, he is one of the best in the world.
His ability to dribble at pace quickens the tempo and adds direction to the attack, while his work rate and tackling ability keep balance in the team. The major question is with these new additions where does he fit into the team. He has been featured out wide but he says he prefers the middle, but it may not be his choice at the end of the day. The answer to the question of where he fits in, is simple, everywhere. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions depending on the opposition and situation.
As far as starting places, Jack will find himself most often starting on the right wing, something he recently criticized. With the obvious midfield pairing of Xhaka and Cazorla present, the young Englishman maybe pushed out to the wing for the time being. Although he may not have the pace to play on the wing, his ability to drive at defenders and create space would be helpful for the likes of Ozil, Sanchez and Giroud. Ozil especially would benefit from having another creative talent in the attacking third.
On the rare occasion that Ozil is being rested, Wilshere is the perfect replacement to take the number ten role (and no not just because that’s the shirt number he wears). All of Jack’s best attributes lend him to be the perfect attacking focal point; the only problem is one of the few better at the position in the world, Mesut Ozil, already has that spot locked in.
The second most probable spot for Wilshere in the 4-2-3-1 formation would be next to either Xhaka or Coquelin as a pivot point. He would have to change his play style a bit for when he is deployed in this role, but as seen in his England appearances, he has the ability to do it. When he is placed in this more defensive role, he will become the classic defensive playmaker, spraying passes all over the field and driving the team forward when need be. This is the spot that many see his future in, and time here could see him develop into the prime Santi Cazorla replacement.
Overall, Wenger changing formation is unlikely. This may hurt the young Englishman’s playing time a bit, however if he does not mind playing out of position on occasion, he will help Arsenal to great success. Wilshere’s greatest strength is his versatility. If he can display this to Wenger, he can cement his place in the starting eleven, be it on the wing, the number 10 or in the deep-lying playmaker role.
YouTube: Jack Wilshere – Top 10 Goals Ever
