Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gave some interesting comments about midfielder Jack Wilshere this summer, hinting that the England international may have to settle with an unorthodox starting role on the wing, as the Gunners have too much competition for places in central midfield.
The 23-year-old enjoyed decent form at the end of the last campaign for the Londoners, but isn’t guaranteed a starting place in the side next season due to Arsenal’s impressive strength in depth. Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin are all looking to operate in the central areas, so is Wilshere set to play a bit-role for the Gunners next season?
Wenger utilised Aaron Ramsey in a similar role out wide during the second-half of the previous campaign, with Santi Cazorla forming an impressive central-midfield partnership with Francis Coquelin, and he admitted Wilshere would have to play outside of his natural position to get more game time in 2015/16.
“For me, Jack can play in all the offensive positions – wide and central; and we have many good creative players. They will all tell you they want to play centrally. Unfortunately, some have to go wide as well. Jack always had an appetite but he’s been out for a long time. But already in the last two or three games of last season, he has found his burst back. His acceleration,” he said.
Arsenal want to challenge for the Premier League title, but the side also have to keep players happy. They are overstocked in the midfield, with Wilshere one of many likely to play a subsidiary role at the start of the new season, but Wenger revealed his players would get a chance.
“Jack needs continuity. He is getting close. The top level is so demanding physical that to be in and out is a nightmare for the players. We will play so many games (this season). We have a big squad, but the opportunities will be there for everyone.”
Manchester City have been linked with the England international this summer, but Wilshere quickly moved to refute such claims about his future. However, it seems the Sky Blues stand a small chance of getting their man if the 23-year-old can stay injury-free, as he wont want his development stifled by a lack of playing time .
Arsenal have a large amount of midfield options in their side, but who will the make the final cut for next season?
