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West Ham’s season could depend on Jack Wilshere’s fitness

By Jay Korman

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Jack Wilshere of West Ham United in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Fulham at Craven Cottage on July 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Jack Wilshere of West Ham United in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Fulham at Craven Cottage on July 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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When West Ham signed Jack Wilshere on a free transfer last summer, there was a lot of hope and optimism from the Irons fan base that he could return to his peak form like when he played at Arsenal. Although last season was once again marred by injury for Wilshere, he looks a real player this preseason and could be key to West Ham’s success this season.

When fit, Jack Wilshere is a very solid Premier League midfield option who can link up play with attackers well, and control the middle of the pitch when asked. The keywords, of course, are when fit. That has been the one thorn in the side of Wilshere his entire playing career, most recently here at West Ham.

It seems like every season Wilshere picks up a new injury, which is why Arsenal eventually let him go. Deep down, however, I know Wilshere has the ability to play well in the Premier League as long as he can stay fit, which would be huge for the Hammers this upcoming season.

Wilshere is probably the most versatile midfielder that West Ham currently has in their squad. Wilshere can play in a more attacking midfield role where he can pick out passes and carve up defenses. He can play in the middle of the park as well, and control the pace of the game and feed the Hammers dangerous wingers.

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Lastly, he can play a more defensive role in the midfield, although this position is already locked up by Declan Rice. It can only help a squad to have an experienced midfield who can float around and play different positions depending on what the manager needs from the squad.

You may remember Wilshere being brought into Arsenal back in 2012 as part of their “British Core” who was supposed to bring Arsenal back to glory. Although Wilshere was ultimately not able to do so, he did shine for the Gunners when healthy and even had a solid rebound season with Arsenal in 2017. If Wilshere can just stay fit, he is a massive part of this West Ham squad for next season.

Wilshere is the player the Hammers need, however his injury record is so extensive that it may be unwise for Manuel Pellegrini to rely on his fitness for the upcoming season. It does seem as though West Ham are just about done in the summer window, so it looks as though Pellegrini is going to trust Wilshere and his impressive preseason so far.

If Wilshere can stay fit for most of the upcoming season, this will feel like a new signing for the Irons. Having a player of Wilshere’s quality controlling the midfield along with Declan Rice is a tantalizing prospect for most Hammers fans.

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I would personally love to see Jack Wilshere resurrect his career with West Ham, and show everyone the player he was supposed to become at Arsenal. I believe in Jack’s footballing ability, I just hope that he can stay fit and really help this West Ham squad push for a high finish this season.