In soccer scoreboards news, we look at Asrenal and England’s brightest new star. Arsene Wenger has always been devoted to the promotion of youth players, but not even he could have suspected that Jack Wilshere, a product of the Arsenal youth academy, would rise so dramatically to the top. In just a few months he has gone from a young player given the odd game in less important fixtures, to a regular starter for Arsenal, who is now considered one of the team’s best players.
Jack joined the Arsenal academy when he was just 9 years old, and 6 years later was already demonstrating success, and he became the captain of the under 16’s team. In February 2008, the soccer scoreboards showed that he made his debut for the men’s team, be it for the Arsenal reserves, before making his first appearance for the Arsenal first team as a substitute against Blackburn in late 2008.
The 18-year-old represents everything that Wenger stands for: technically gifted players who are more typical of the Spanish or Italian leagues. Just to demonstrate how important he has become to the team, without his influence Arsenal looked flat and unimaginative in their recent game against West-Brom.
Cesc Fabregas remains the team’s henchman, but his current injury means the role of Wilshere has been further amplified. The two players have a somewhat similar playing style: both have an impeccable first touch, and not only extremely accurate passing, but the ability to create goal scoring chances with creative and unexpected passes. The standard of dribbling and movement is also phenomenal for these players. Both have a similar stature too, which is small and light, which means that they rely heavily on their technique and ability to make up for their lack of physical prowess.
Wilshere’s fellow midfielder Alex Song has a very high opinion of the young player. He commented on how effective Jack was when he played on-loan for Bolton last season, and how happy the Arsenal players were when he returned to the side this season. He went on to say that Arsenal has a multitude of very talented youngsters, but Jack is the one who has made great strides over the last couple of years and who really stands out amongst the pack.
In terms of his international career, he played his first game for the England under-16s team when he was just 14, and likewise went on to play for the under 17’s team when he was 15. After the under 17’s UEFA football championship, he was named as one of the top 10 brightest prospects for the future. His full England debut came in August 2010, with a 7-minute appearance as a sub against Hungry.
He is without doubt one of the greatest prospects England has seen for many years, and few will bet against him reaching great heights for his club and his country in the next few years,
For more information on Jack Wilshere, go to:
en.wikipedia.org