Arsenal: Jack Wilshere personality just as important as fitness

Jack WIlshere’s return to the first team has been a welcomed sight. His recaptured fitness will claim headlines but its the Englishman’s personality that Arsenal has missed most. 

After the Gunners 3-2 victory at Selhurtst Park, Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was asked if he felt that he as finally back to his best. Teammate Shkodran Mustafi joked with Wilshere that journalists love to ask that question and Wilshere added that he gets it seemingly every week.

Of course, this must be exasperating for the Englishman who is enjoying his best form for Arsenal in several years. However, with his history of injury and current situation it is probably the only question worth asking.

WIlshere’s return to the first team has been the silver lining in Aaron Ramsey‘s injury. The Welshman still divides opinion among Arsenal supporters but his three goals and six assists in the league have been a hugely beneficial for the North London outfit as they attempt to regain a Champions League position. The brunt of losing Ramsey’s production has been lessened by the resurgence of Jack WIlshere.

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It was not that long ago that Wilshere was viewed as the future of both Arsenal and England. There is no need to rehash his many run-ins with the treatment table, but the saga of Jack WIlshere is a long and complicated one.

There is no denying his quality and while he has been given many opportunities at Arsenal to make a lasting impact, he has been sidelined for a number of reasons. Going on loan last season with Bournemouth seemed like the final chapter in WIlshere’s North London career but credit to the Englishman, he has fought back and bided his time to find himself in a position where he can finally cement his place for both club and country.

Wilshere’s guile and skill on the ball have helped Arsenal find a new dimension in midfield but it is Jack’s personality on the pitch that the club has really missed. Wilshere is a fighter and a leader. He is the type of player who imposes himself on a game.

Fans can sense a difference in this club with No. 10 on the pitch. His desire to drive forward and take defenders on is something that the team has sorely missed.

When you look at Arsenal’s midfield options that surging quality is clearly lacking. Ramsey is a powerful runner and his industry cannot be questioned.

However, Ramsey does not have the same ability that Wilshere has with the ball at his feet. He is less of a dribbler and more of a player who looks to run and then get on the end of balls. Wilshere has the ability to put defenders on their heels and draw them out of position. Arsenal often finds itself up against packed defences which forces their players to pass the ball sideways and back. Wilshere looks to break through the lines and cause havoc.

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This all comes down to Wilshere’s aggressiveness and need to make things happen. Far too often this attack is forced into tepid, slow and toothless possession that amounts to very little. With Wilshere on the pitch, the Gunners have a player who refuses to accept that static style of play.

Furthermore, Arsenal’s lack of a leader on the pitch has been bemoaned ad nauseam. With Wilshere playing at the heart of the midfield Arsenal have a man who will take the game by the scruff of the neck and pull his teammates up through his actions and words.

The engine room is the part of the pitch which the Gunners need the biggest gut check at the moment and Wilshere brings that bottle back to the battleground.

Further forward, the guile of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette will speak for itself. Fans can also imagine Aaron Ramsey in one of those roles, playing in a position he more normally plays for Wales.

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The Gunners defence still needs sorting but perhaps Shkodran Mustafi can take up that mantle along the back line. Jack Wilshere’s form and fitness are welcome in North London but it is his fighting spirit and surging personality that the Gunners have really missed.