Arsenal: Jack Wilshere Can Defy Jamie Redknapp

Jack Wilshere does not understand Jamie Redknapp’s position that he has no future at Arsenal. He certainly has the talent to defy the pundit’s stance.

The long-term future of Jack Wilshere is a topic of great discussion after the weekend’s events. The Arsenal loanee completed his first full 90 minutes in the Premier League in 771 days when Bournemouth held Spurs to a 0-0 draw on Saturday, and after performing well, many are beginning question what the future holds for the once lauded youngster.

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Certainly, some have doubted whether he has the durability to ever fulfil the great potential that his talented boasts, suggesting that his future lies away from his boyhood club. One such person is Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, who, before Saturday lunchtime’s draw, stated that he believes Wilshere would be far better served moving away from the Emirates.

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However, after the result, when asked about the recent criticism regarding his potential future at Arsenal, Wilshere was bullish, rejecting any suggestion that he cannot make it back into Arsene Wenger’s plans after his loan stint with Bournemouth:

"“I’m just trying to get back to what I was, enjoying my football and playing week-in, week-out and the Tottenham game was a massive step towards that. So I’ve not really thought about that so how other people can comment on it…listen, he’s entitled to his opinion. If he doesn’t see me going back to Arsenal then that’s up to him but I haven’t thought about that.”"

Wilshere is spot on to be so confident in his future. It is certainly not a lack of ability that has cost him his role at the Emirates. His natural talent is still relatively unquestioned. The issues lie in his inability to get and then stay fit for a prolonged period of time. Like so many talented youngsters before him, Wilshere has suffered greatly from the injury bug throughout his young career.

For the first time in a long time, he now is seemingly fit enough to handle the physical demands of a full 90 minutes. His performances over the coming months at Bournemouth will likely shape his role when he returns to North London if he can continue to avoid injury.

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What cannot be doubted, though, is his natural talent. Wilshere is still a hugely talented player who has not received the opportunities. Now he has the opportunity to defy the doubters like Mr Redknapp.