Arsenal: Jack Wilshere ‘risk’ paying off

Jack Wilshere was allowed to leave Arsenal in the summer. I wrote at the time how it was a ‘risk’ in case he re-discovered his former flourish. So far, that risk is paying off.

When Arsenal decided to let Jack Wilshere in the leave in the summer, it was largely due to Unai Emery. The Spaniard told Wilshere that he would not be a regular starter and Wilshere, now 26, decided to turn elsewhere to try and find playing time. In the end, his search led him to east London and West Ham United.

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The decision, on Emery and Arsenal’s part, was a risk. Although Wilshere had not performed close to it for many years, his best was still an invaluable contribution to any team, whether it be as a starter or as a reserve.

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The reason Wilshere had not performed at his best was not necessarily because he was incapable of it. Rather, injuries had scuppered his development and cost him of his sharpness. Would he ever get the back? It is a question that is difficult to answer, but should he, after Emery allowed him to leave, then there would be a great backlash among the Emirates stanchions.

However, at this junction, three months into the new season and midway through the dreadful November international break, it would be fair to argue that Wilshere has not made Emery pay. I understand that many would suggest that there was no risk in the first place because Wilshere was never going to reach his former level. But as we saw with a player like Robin van Persie, it can take up to the age of 27 and 28 for a player to truly shake free of long-standing injuries and fulfil their potential.

Now, how likely was that eventuality with Wilshere? Perhaps far less than with van Persie. I don’t know. No one really knows. But even Emery himself could not guarantee that Wilshere would never rediscover his youthful exuberance once again. The decision to allow him to leave was a risk.

But it is not one that is costing Arsenal currently, and it does not look like it will cost them any time soon. Wilshere, as expressed in this recent interview, is happy at West Ham, under Manuel Pellegrini, who he likens to Arsene Wenger, but has missed most of the season after undergoing yet another ankle surgery in September.

Throughout his younger years, it was always the ankles that screwed Wilshere. Both his left and right underwent surgeries and he missed whole seasons because of a variety of ankle problems. Having them again this season certainly lends to the viewpoint that he will never get back to what he once was.

And that is a good thing for Arsenal. It looks as though Wilshere may well be finished. At least the very top level. The risk, however big or small you may believe it is, has paid off.