Arsenal: The Jack Wilshere discussion is over

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere’s current form should leave no doubt as to where he stands, but somehow, there are still questions surrounding his play.

A player with the track record like Jack Wilshere will always give rise to doubters and pessimists. He is a player that, during his breakout season in 2010, was touted as England’s savior at the tender age of just 18. Unfortunately, numerous injuries have stifled his once skyrocketing trajectory. That is, until recently, where he’s started the last seven consecutive league games.

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More importantly than simply playing is how he’s been playing during those games. Since his return to the first team, Wilshere has been Arsenal’s most consistent, if not best, player. His natural ability and desire were never in question, but his maturity and understanding of the game have reached new heights.

Yet, for some reason, there is an air of doubt over his recent performances, mostly in the vein of “Is he back to his best?” This is a ridiculous notion, and one only entertained because of his history. Wilshere is not only back to his best, he’s better than he’s ever been.

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To understand this, it’s important to recognize that his game has changed from the attack-at-all-cost midfielder he once was. His new role has him behind the play, reading the game, and dictating the tempo. He sets the pace of Arsenal’s attack; he is a safety valve for everyone around him, and is nearly impossible to dispossess.

In a stagnating side, Wilshere often bails his teammates out of trouble. He goes to congested areas and relieves them of the ball, often receiving it under immense pressure. But with a drop of the shoulder, intelligent touch, and quick first step, he breaks the pressure and plays Arsenal out of trouble. You get the sense he could turn out of trouble in a phone booth.

Going forward, he has his finger on the pulse of the play, knowing when to push it forward and when to slow it down. If there’s nothing available before him, he effortlessly drifts across the field, evading any tackles, allowing his teammates to catch up, like he showed in the 55th minute at Bournemouth.

Arsenal, having just defended a corner, had no one upfield. Yet, Wilshere, receiving the ball in a tight, congested area, with pressure on him immediately, was able to dribble out of his own box and hold off no less than six Bournemouth players before passing it off to his arriving teammates. This is a skill that is invaluable when patience is required because of a limited number of options. But that does not mean that Wilshere is safe in his decision-making, preserving possession for the sake of preserving possession.

Whenever he first receives the ball, his initial thought is always an attacking one. Whether it be off the pass or dribble, he plays through the lines and eliminates defenders from the play in a flash, like the immaculate assist for Alexis Sanchez against Crystal Palace, or the devastating combination play to break the deadlock against Red Star Belgrade back in October.

His new, deeper midfield position perfectly suits his reading of the game and ball-winning mentality. It is a role that he has grown into and has allowed him to flourish. So, put his history aside, look at his body of work in the present, and take in what is shaping up to be some of the finest midfield play Arsenal have seen in years. Don’t compare him to a different player or style of play, because what he’s doing is unique. And under no circumstances should you doubt his play, because the discussion is over.

Next: Arsenal: Top 3 Alexis Sanchez replacements

He’s at his best and is only getting better.

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