Failing to play a whole 90-minute game in over two years of Premier League fixtures is a disappointing record to hold. Unfortunately, Wilshere did just that with his streak ending last week against Spurs. He finished the game against Middlesbrough as well and seems to be on the right track at Bournemouth where he is gaining strength, stamina and confidence with his return to the Emirates unknown at this point.
It looks like the England international is finally getting what he wanted which is more time on the pitch. According to recent statements regarding his surprising loan deal, part of the agreement was for him to be given a main role in Bournemouth’s squad, a role which includes him being played as much as possible. Here’s how Wilshere saw things before leaving:
“I actually sent him (Wenger) a text to begin with. I said I wanted to come in and speak to him. He said he wasn’t around for a few days with it being international week. But he told me to call him and I did.
“We spoke a couple of times that day. It was the Monday and the transfer window was closing on the Wednesday so we didn’t have long to sort something out. But I’d decided that I couldn’t have a season where I’m not starting. I spoke to the boss and he said, ‘You will play’. But I wanted more than that. I want to play week in, week out, be an important player for the team.
“I’m at my best when I’m playing regularly, when people are relying on me and I’m an important member of the team. I said to the boss, ‘You know what kind of player I am, what type of character I am, I need to play, it would be best if I leave’.” [Quotes provided by the Daily Mail]
He was eased in Bournemouth’s lot and was given more minutes on the pitch gradually. The past two fixtures represent a success for Wilshere who finally played 180 consecutive minutes (2 matches back-to-back). Of course this is good news for parent club Arsenal, because if the 24-year-old keeps it up and stays away from injury he will give himself a chance of returning to the Arsenal lot next season. He is young and he can represent the perfect replacement for one of the Gunners’ key figures like Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard, just as many pointed out, is the motor of the team and even with solid replacements such as Xhaka and Elneny, Wenger has a hard time bringing out the absolute best out of his team. Wilshere may have the creativity and skills to take over from the Spaniard down the road.
While many raised their eyebrows when finding out that Wilshere would join Bournemouth, there is a touch of genius to Wenger’s decision as pointed out by Petr Cech: “It shows the depth we have at the club when we can afford to let Jack join Bournemouth for the season. He is a fantastic player and, in normal circumstances, you would keep him. But in order for him to get his fitness and confidence back — and to get some games under his belt — I think this is the best solution.”
If all goes as planned, Wilshere will get his confidence back at Bournemouth who will be fighting for a spot in the Top 10 of the League. If fitness wise all is good, there is no reason why we may not see the England international leave for another club or return to star at Arsenal again. Even with all the rumors that say he will not represent the Emirates club ever again plus outspoken pundits (read Jamie Redknapp) who think that be won’t be able to get back in the team at Arsenal, the manager still thinks very highly of Wilshere so we may well see him in Arsenal colours again.