In recent years Jack Wilshere has been a favourite of Arsene Wenger’s and he seems to get preferential treatment from Le Prof when he is fit enough to play in Arsenal’s starting XI, but on his latest return from the treatment table he feels like he has more competition for his position.
“When I first broke in there was Cesc Fabregas, there was Diaby, Denilson and Alex Song,” Jack said on Arsenal.com.
“We’ve always had real quality in that position but now I’d say there are more of my style of players fighting for that position. You can name four or five attacking midfielders who are world-class.
“I’ve played with Francis since I was 15 or 16 so we know each other really well. He didn’t get a look in before that but I always knew that once he got his chance he would deliver, and he gets better and better as each game goes on.
“I’ve played with Mikel for a couple of years now and I played against him [at Everton] when I was at Bolton on loan and he was the best player on the pitch. He brings that experience, reads the game really well, breaks up play and everyone knows what quality he has on the ball.
“[Aaron’s] main attribute is his energy, his leadership, he wants to drive the team forward and he can score goals. You look at the best midfielders in the world over the last few years like Lampard and Gerrard, who can score goals, and he’s got that.
“With Santi it’s easy to play because he understands the game so well. If I come inside, he’ll go outside and we’ll link up. Now he’s got more responsibility in the centre of midfield and he’s done brilliantly there over the last few months. He’s probably the easiest player to play with.”
Wenger has always aimed to get in creative midfielders and there is no doubt that we have more than enough of quality in those positions, but is there any chance of Jack supplanting any of his competitors unless we have another wave of injuries?