Arsenal: Jack Wilshere must deliver on his hype

Jack Wilshere has stated that he has re-found his five-yard, initial burst, and that his fitness levels are as good as they have ever been. The Arsenal midfielder must now deliver on his hype.

The Arsenal career of Jack Wilshere is a tale of what might have been. An effervescent talent; crippling injuries; drifting aspirations. Failed potential and untapped ability, Wilshere proceeded to slip through grasping hopes of Arsene Wenger, eventually derided as a 24-year-old loanee, returning to be little more than a shot in the dark.

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It is a sad and desperate tale, one that many footballers can relate to and empathise with. But since his return, Wilshere has begun to show glimpses of his ability, glimpses that have excited and enthralled the more optimistic of us.

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And Wilshere himself is beginning to feel more and more confident in his body. Speaking with Arsenal Media Player, Wilshere discussed ‘the bruises that make a man’ that he has endured through a tiresome and tumultuous career thus far. For those that have not had the chance to check out the interview, I would recommend reading it. It is an interesting peek into the psyche of Wilshere. There was one comment that particularly stood out to me. Here is an extract below:

"“I always hear the boss say it is my first five-metre burst, when I receive the ball and to get away from defenders and I feel that’s getting better and better each day <…>  That’s coming back and my fitness levels, if I’m honest, are probably the best they’ve ever been. I look at my numbers after the game and <…> [they] are good so I’m happy.”"

Wilshere, by this admission, is adding hype to his return. Now, I am, more than most, extremely excited to watch how this season unfolds, and I am as guilty as anyone for adding to the furore and frenzy that is engulfing every minute that he takes to the pitch.

Nevertheless, there comes a point where the hype must be fulfilled and justified. Because of his natural talent, Wilshere has always garnered much attention, much of it positive, as to the potential riches of his future.

However, at 25, already in the final year of his contract, there is no future to rely on. Wilshere’s place in the squad, the first team, and in Wenger’s plans for the seasons to come, must now be vindicated by what he is able to achieve in the present, not what he might do in the future.

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The time has come for Wilshere to deliver. If he is unable to, for lack of ability or fitness, then his time in North London has, likely, come to an end. If he can, then, perhaps, he can begin to fulfil the future that was first hoped of him.