Every so often a talent that comes along who makes everyone very excited, especially after that first performance. It all starts when positive vibes are felt by coaches at the club, then by the manager and then the players start to comment on the player. Club legends also begin to have their say and suddenly there are national newspapers claiming he is the next Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
After that first performance, the fans can get even more excited, as they finally get to see what the hype is all about. If it turns out to be good then they get that giddy sense of excitement that they have a real star on your hands. If it is bad they don’t tend to hold anything against them, instead giving them the benefit of the doubt that it is their debut.
Arsenal fans are always treated to a new youngster to get excited about. Thierry Henry kick-started this trend, Cesc Fabregas added to it, Jack Wilshere was next and Gedion Zelalem is the current holder of the title. The name I want to focus on today is Jack Wilshere.
The Englishman gained recognition when he starred in Arsenal’s victory over Barcelona a few seasons ago. That game was sealed by Andrey Arshavin’s winner for the Gunners, but Wilshere dominated a Barcelona midfield that contained the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. That propelled him into the spotlight and for a while he maintained a high level of performance.
However, injuries have plagued his career since that run of form and it could be one of Wenger’s biggest regrets for running him into the ground when he shouldn’t have. Wilshere hasn’t helped his career either as he is constantly snapped by the press doing the wrong things, and attitude has also played a part. Publications all over the country have accused Wilshere of throwing his career away. I don’t think that is the case at all and I still think he has a very good chance of making it at Arsenal.
I say this because Wilshere is a passionate player and one that is determined to impress. He is obviously very gifted as he still made England’s World Cup squad despite an injury late on in the season. The 22-year-old is an exciting player and that is what he wants to show. He wants to be able to perform his trademark move of riding tackles as he surges forward.
At the moment, he is playing second-fiddle to Aaron Ramsey which is understandable. Wilshere now just needs a good run in the team, and after that I think he will come good for the Gunners. A season of hard-work and no injuries would be the perfect start. Maybe then people will re-evaluate his situation.