Arsenal: Jack Wilshere The Ideal Fit On Right Side

I have repeatedly made the point that Arsenal should not be in the market to sign a wide player this summer, as I have complete faith in our long list of current options. As promised, here is my article defending why I believe Jack Wilshere is the best fit for Arsenal’s right wing position next season, to the benefit of both player and club.

Arsenal‘s Jack Wilshere has to be the most frustrating player in the long and extensive history of frustrating players. Its almost as though he has a superpower to frustrate, to tantalise and then, all too cruelly, to take away that mouthwatering potential.

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Sorry, did I say that he has the superpower? I meant his ankles.

He is still young, but next season Wilshere needs to be playing more regularly. Only then can a judgement be made on how we should proceed with him. Wenger has repeatedly stated that he does his best work close to goal in the No. 10 role. The trouble is, so does Mesut Özil (if you call that trouble).

Thus, Wilshere should be deployed on the right wing.

This is always going to be an unpopular choice in the face of a shiny new signing, but let me first establish what Arsenal would want from their right winger.

He doesn’t have to be flashy. It is Sanchez on the left and Bellerin from full back that provide the fireworks in the wide positions. Instead, we need someone who does a job for the side. The player would have to drift inside, and find space between the lines, occupy both midfielders and defenders, as well as open up space for Bellerin on the overlap.

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The player should be a useful option for the pivot-midfielders to play a pass into, and would ideally offer a goal threat. To all these ends, I would prefer a midfield player to take the role as opposed to a forward.

There are two players that fit this criteria: Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, who played the role in this way last year. However, I believe that Ramsey should play in central midfield because his attributes compliment those of Granit Xhaka. Thus, Ramsey should be preoccupied elsewhere, leaving only Jack Wilshere.

With this selection-by-elimination method, I know that Wilshere may come across as the least worst option. However, this is not the case. A closer look at his attributes will show that he is the ideal option.

Wilshere’s greatest strength is his ability to pierce defences with penetrating dribbles and snappy passing exchanges. He has built up a great understanding with Giroud and Özil, with the three usually on the same wavelength. Since, Arsenal’s buildup can get sedentary and impotent at times, it is useful to have a player like Wilshere, who can change the pace, in a position where he is close to the other important segments of the buildup.

One of Arsenal’s key strengths down the flanks are the runs of Hector Bellerin, which should not be sacrificed for anything. Being left-footed, Wilshere would have a natural tendency to cut inside on his stronger foot. Also, being a midfielder by trade, he would always be looking to go centrally and get involved with the play. Drawing defenders inside, he would create plenty of space for Hector to do his thing.

Emphasising on the midfielder point, Wilshere would play his natural game, which would be a juxtaposition with Sanchez’s forward-style. He would help to bolster the partnership of Xhaka and Ramsey that might be a bit short on creativity, just as Ramsey (from the right) bolstered a Coq-Zorla partnership somewhat deficient in dynamism.

Continuing the Ramsey comparison, while both offer a goal threat, Ramsey’s is predicated on late runs from deep, which were stifled on the right. On the other hand, Wilshere’s goals either come from edge-of-the-box shots or through quick one-two’s gliding through the penalty area. Thus, where Ramsey’s goals dried up, Wilshere’s might increase by being positioned closer to goal.

We have covered what Wilshere might bring to the role. But the benefits do not end there. I believe that the right  flank position might also offer him something as a player.

This doesn’t need reiterating, but Wilshere has suffered a lot with injuries. This year, he returned looking extremely rusty and off-the-pace, a shadow of the player he used to be. It is important that he gets a run in the side, where he can slowly work his way back to his previous level (and then beyond). The right wing would involve him receiving plenty of the ball, and plenty of opportunities to shine, but yet remains a position comparatively out of the spotlight in Arsenal’s system.

However, Wilshere has indicated that he is happier in a central role. No one is saying this should be a permanent positional switch, but it would offer Wilshere a chance to get into shape, while supporting Arsenal’s system. Meanwhile, the Ox, Iwobi and a whole lot of others will be coming of age (hopefully).

Next: Xhaka, Ramsey Partnership Ideal

What do you think Gooners? Wilshere, other Arsenal player or external signing? What do expect from the right wing position next season? Have your say in the comments below.