Even without the latest bad luck injury suffered by the Arsenal and England international star Jack Wilshere last season, it was looking as if he would have a real fight on his hands to get a regular place in the Arsenal starting line up, mainly dues to the excellent form of his main rival for the role, Aaron Ramsey.
In the preparation for the crucial season to come, however, it looks like even the Welshman could struggle to force his way into the Gunners best XI. Rambo did not have the same amazing influence for us last season, dropping from 16 goals in just 30 starts and four sub appearances down to 10 goals from 33 starts and eight games coming off the bench.
That still seems pretty good to me, especially considering that a lot of Ramsey´s game is about work rate, linking the play and helping out with the defensive duties. It seems clear, however, that Arsene Wenger now prefers Santi Cazorla in that central role and with Mesut Ozil being handed the number 10 role for next season, Jack and Aaron could be spending a lot of time on the bench.
The boss used them in wide roles quite a bit last season but with Alexis Sanchez on the left and if Theo Walcott shows good form on the right, how will he fit them into the Arsenal side in the coming season? And if they are not playing regular football, how does Wenger keep these talented young players happy?