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Arsenal: Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez the block Jack Wilshere needs
Arsene Wenger has stated that Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are ‘in conflict’ with Jack Wilshere’s progression. However, it is a conflict that is good for his Arsenal, and footballing, career.
As Arsenal prepare to face Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night in the Europa League, with the intention of extending their 100% record in the competition and assuring their place in the knockout stages, much of the media focus has centred on the forrays of one man: Jack Wilshere.
Related Story: Arsenal Vs Red Star Belgrade: 3 key Gunners to watch
He returned to North London as a shot in the dark. Talented, yes. But drastically unproven and unfit. Arsene Wenger stated that he had to show that his body could handle the demands of English football before he was thrust into Premier League and display that his talent had not yet deserted him. So far, he has done exactly that.
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And yet, opportunities to feature in the league are few and far between. Competition is great; chances are limited. Wilshere is having to wait. Wenger, in the build-up to Belgrade’s North London trip, addressed the blockage that Wilshere currently sees before him, explaining that, in the 3-4-3 system that he is currently employing, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez’s prominence means that it is difficult to crowbar him into the team:
"“In my head, he’s more a little bit higher up [the field]. I see him more a player who can affect the game in the final third than a player who is a box-to-box player. He’s a little bit in conflict in this position with Ozil and Sanchez. I believe he can as well play in midfield in a 4-2-3-1, he can play midfield in a 4-3-3. In the system we play, I see him a bit more advanced.”"
The limitations in playing time that Wilshere is experiencing because of Ozil and Sanchez may seem like a restricting factor in his development. It is logical, seemingly, to assume that Wilshere needs playing time. He will not get that with Sanchez and Ozil present.
But there is a more subtle influence on the remarkable progress that he has made already this season, one that exists purely because Ozil and Sanchez are at the club. Arsenal are not reliant on Wilshere. They do not depend on his playing to achieve success. He is a shot in the dark. And that is important.
That allows Wenger to be hesitant with what is a painfully fragile body. It allows Wilshere to take his time as he re-finds his match sharpness. It does not give the rest of the team an excuse to perform poorly, instead, boosting their morale and confidence when they see formerly written-off teammate come back to the fore once again.
Next: Arsenal Vs Red Star Belgrade: Predicted starting XI
As the season progresses, Wilshere will get chances to play in the Premier League. Injuries, suspensions, fixture congestion. There will be opportunities. So while he may see his path blocked to more prominent playing time right now, that is not something to bemoan. In fact, it might be, for now, exactly what he needs.