The year was 2008 and it has been four years after the Invincibles took English football by storm. Arsenal were in a state of transition with a lot of young players replacing the Legendary seniors.
In September 2008, an 85th-minute substitution for Arsenal striker van Persie saw Wenger give a 16-year-old kid the opportunity of his lifetime, his debut in the Premier League.
The substitution was record-breaking as the English midfielder became the youngest ever League debutant a record once held by Cesc Fabregas. That kid today is one of the frontrunners for the captain’s armband at the Emirates. It is none other than Jack Wilshere.
Immensely talented, a great visionary and a Gunner from the heart, words are not enough to describe this enigmatic midfielder. He is undoubtedly one the most loved members of the present Arsenal team.
But the road so far has been far from easy for the Englishman. From being touted as the next big thing to having regular run-ins with injuries and being sent on season-long loans away from the Emirates. Jack Wilshere has seen it all.
Having joined the Arsenal academy at the age of nine he has often been hailed as the best midfielder in England. Playing an attacking style of football combined with exceptional game reading and technical abilities, Jack has evolved into a midfield maestro years.
What remains strong throughout is his drive to succeed and that has been evident this season more than ever with his wildly inspiring performances in an otherwise uninspiring season. Big money signing Xhaka looks like an underperformer when featured alongside Jack.
In light of his resurgence, England manager Gareth Southgate went ahead and complimented Wilshere, calling him the most talented midfielder in England and rightfully so.
He is always vocal about his passion for the club, over the years Gooners have seen him evolve from a talented yet hotheaded youngster to a more mature yet firm individual, who does not hesitate to put his foot down when the time is right.
The 26-year-old is a wildly optimistic person and does not shy away from critising his own and the team’s performance at times necessary. One of the last serving members of Wenger’s famed English core at the Emirates, the midfielder looks set to take over the captains armband at the end of the season when per mertasacker retires.
Of all of the Wenger’s recent failings, one thing he has definitely got right is his belief in the Englishman given jacks chequered history any other manager would have given up on him a long time back. But Wenger stood firm on his choice never once doubting his instincts. Thank god for that !!!!
