Where does Jack Wilshere fit into West Ham’s midfield?
By Louis Pye
I believe the majority of fans would admit that a fit and firing Jack Wilshere should be a shoo-in for West Ham’s starting XI, so why exactly hasn’t it worked out so far?
Everybody knows that the former Arsenal man has an abundance of natural talent, as he mainly proved in his early years at the Gunners. West Ham signed Jack Wilshere with the belief he could move past his injuries and recapture that form.
Fast-forward eight years and that talent has not just disappeared. The 27-year-old has suffered a stop-start career to say the least, predominantly caused by injuries, ultimately resulting in his move to the Hammers in 2018.
Not much has changed on the injury front, with Wilshere spending the majority of the 2017/2018 campaign on the side-lines – plagued by his on-going ankle struggles – which can be traced all the way back to 2009.
The pre-season just gone, however, gave the Hammers faithful hope. Hope that Wilshere would prove to be the linchpin of Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield for the foreseeable future, as he displayed his portfolio of qualities that he possesses.
Dribbling ability, ball retention, an eye for a pass. He began to win many doubters over with his form and fitness, earning himself a place in Pellegrini’s XI as West Ham debuted their season against Manchester City at London Stadium.
Brighton and Hove Albion were up next, and it was yet again a chance for Wilshere to make a statement. After a disappointing first half, the midfielder was replaced yet again as the Hammers went on to earn their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw.
To add more fuel to the fire, Pellegrini confirmed that Wilshere was “rested” during West Ham’s 3-1 away victory against Watford – concerning supporters and making them question his role in the team.
Was it just a coincidence that West Ham managed to pick up their first three points of the season as Wilshere was dropped; or could that be the crux of the matter?
Mark Noble came into the starting XI after injury and produced an inspired performance, something that his fellow midfielder Wilshere has lacked so far this campaign.
But wouldn’t it be foolish to write a player off after just two games; especially a player with the quality that Jack Wilshere possesses?
It is all about balance – something that Pellegrini has admittedly lacked during times as West Ham manager.
Next. West Ham v Newport in the Carabao Cup, can I get the starting XI right?. dark
Playing Wilshere in a two-man midfield next to Declan Rice is footballing suicide, as it leaves the defense vulnerable, as has been evident in the opening three games of the season.
Playing a three-man midfield, with Wilshere and Noble alongside Rice, may well be the solution going forward. To Pellegrini’s dismay, that would involve leaving an attacking player out, but it would undoubtedly benefit the overall balance of the team.
Using this formation, West Ham’s attack would still have enough firepower going forward, with Sebastien Haller bagging his first goals for the club during last Saturday’s victory – joined by an influx of talent including the likes of Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini, and Michail Antonio.
It would allow Wilshere to do what he does best. Carry and drive with the ball while transitioning defense into attack.
Wilshere is expected to return to the West Ham squad for tonight’s second-round Carabao Cup clash against League Two side Newport County, and this fixture could be the perfect opportunity for him to gain some momentum. Hopefully, he can then take that momentum into the Premier League, where he will face bigger and better opposition.