I’m well known for not jumping to conclusions when it comes to young players, and taking the Reserves as they are, just prospects. Yet after following the progress of Jack Wilshere in just four or five youth team matches, it’s impossible not to be excited. In fact, his performances have led me to believe he could be a possible replacement for the much maligned Alexander Hleb.
Jack joined Arsenal, after being scouted playing for Luton Town, aged 10. He quickly progressed through the ranks at the Gunners’ Hale End training complex, impressing many coaches. His ability to get in the box and score goals brought him to the attention of many, but it was more his exciting knack to spot a pass and make a goal that saw him promoted through the levels so quickly.
The youngster made the step-up to Under 18’s football at the start of the season, in what was expected to be a real challenge of his ability. Yet 16 goals so far this term suggest otherwise. It’s been a significant milestone for the diminutive play-maker, as Academy League football is noted for its aggressive and tenacious nature.
Last night he made his Reserves debut; a whole new challenge for the young protégé. The step up from playing against players around his own age, to established internationals and full time professionals. This was highlighted by the man who marked him, Reading’s England Under 21 starlet Liam Rosienor, who has played over 50 times in the Premier League.
Wilshere started wide on the left, a position he is not used to. However, he took to the roll well, creating space for passes and shots and notably coming back to help out his defence. Jack was caught in possession a few times, but otherwise was a bright spark for Arsenal at all times.
Energetic, skillful and blessed with all the close control of Hleb, he is also rugged, and willing to get stuck in. That fight is something many note as being missing from the Belarusian’s game, but both also rely on their instincts, and it was this that brought Wilshere’s star moment. He pulled off his market and turned home Nacer Barazite’s calm pass, to give Arsenal the lead.
Neil Banfield admitted he was delighted with Jack’s debut.
“It is Jack’s first game, he is only 16, been here since he was 9, and he is a talented lad — one of a few that we have here — and has done well tonight. He has scored quite a few goals for Steve in the Youth team and has warranted a place at this level and credit to him, he has come in and done really well.”
On top of all that, what will delight Gooners-worldwide is that Wilshere is also English, a rare thing at Arsenal following the departures of Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell. So all in all, a very impressive few games in the spotlight for Jack, and the more he progresses, the harder he will be to ignore.
Remember The Name; Jack Wilshere.
I’m really excited about the prospects of Wilshere, Lansbury, and Thomas all starting for us one day. Who’s to say we aren’t producing top quality English players? They all have star quality appeal in the David Bentley mold (hopefully with better attitude though).
I feel these trio of young English talent are better than both Randall and Gibbs.
Then we have Murphy, Freeman, and Afobe coming through. We also are seem to be producing a stellar line of defenders too.
I watched the game myself and was very impressed with the quality of these kids. Look forward to seeing them in years to come.
16 goals in 18 games… Hleb could only dream of such figures!
That’s Bobby Pires scoring ability!
Does he play like Hleb? I read somewhere he played a bit like Rooney? I also read that his form has meant Lansbury has been moved out wide… sounds promising to me!
Good post!
I love your site, and the articles are generally great, but don’t fall in to the trap of calling any players “the new so and so” as they should just be allowed to make their own way. Wilshere won’t be the new Hleb as it seems that Wilshere has an eye for goal, something our mercurial Belarussian doesn’t have. Mind you, if his ball skills measure up to Hleb then we will have a great player on our hands! That however, is a long, long way off.
Instead of pigeon-holing these youngsters, let us just enjoy watching them progress. Jack Wilshere is a 16 year old lad with massive potential who made the step up into reserves football in style with a goal. That is enough to whet my appetite, no need to compare with any current or past players. In time, Wilshere will be his own man.
Sure, i dont usually do that, and im just making the point he is the in the mould of Hleb, rather than he is the new Hleb, e.g the question mark.
and Im sure even Hleb scored lots of goals at youth level.
Lupoli scored lots of goals at Youth/Reserve level – But he didnt make it…. So goals mean nothing until you reach the first team – so if he has the skills of Helb and quick feet etc then this article sounds promising…. Also dont knock us that we are a little excited about the English youth coming through our youth systems. Im sure like myself alot of Arsenal fans get taunting for the lack of English crop in the 1st team and to a certain degree i agree we should have some english in there. But if in 5-6 years we have 3/4 or even 5 English players who are worth there while we all be very happy……!!!
this jack wilshere kid is amazing and i think he is the best 1992 prospect in the country but lets not forget we have benik afobe who is a 1993 boy and is going to be hoping he will get his chance soon i have been hearing he has been touted by scouts all over the country he is the best forward since michael owen.
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HE IS ENGLISH AND THAT MEANS HE WILL NEVER BE AS GOOD AS ALEX HLEB. ARSENAL IS TO GOOD FOR ENGLISH PLAYERS
I am EBOUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEe
Sup Eboue,
Can you cut down your play acting please mate?
Cheers ;)
Around 3 years back i went to Hale End one sunday to see an Arsenal kids match v spurs, i’m no expert at judgeing players but i saw a young midfield player that day that just stood out his name was Jack Wilshere……..And i have followed his progress ever since….talking to a scout from Hale End about him, word is if he keeps improving like he has been this could be one special player for us in the future!
hi guys, can he dribble. And also can the following dribble, Fonte, Barazite, Watt, Murphy and Freeman. Nice site
Whilst in no way having a go at this site I do worry about the amount of publicity and ‘new so-and-so’ type comments that very young players get these days. Frankly I don’t think it’s helpful and that it puts undue pressure on players at an age when they should be developing quietly in the reserve/youth teams. Not only is the pressure a danger but the opposite is also true in that some players think they’ve made it long before they have.
We have to face facts that the majority of these youngsters will not make it (certainly at Arsenal). Five years ago everyone was lauding the likes of Benley, Pennant, Svard, Volz et al who (At that level) seemed to be certainties for the first team…
word of warning.lupoli had a better scoring record, where is he now. but i will be looking forward to seeing jacks progress.
he is left footed or right footed
is there any video about Jack Wilshere game….
does he play like any top player such as c.ronaldo,rooney,ronaldinho,kaka,maradona,pele or do any other players remind u about these lot
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITVSdAzBjXY….
Left footed.
Seen him a couple of times, if he reminds me of anyone in football at the momment its messi, great close control, can see and make a pass and drives into the box with the ball. CLASS!
What Hleb did you watch? Hleb wasn’t easily dispossessed. He was a great outlet for Cesc precisely because he could get into tight positions and keep the ball. What Wilshere has, that Alex didn’t, is that he’s not afraid to pull the trigger infront of goal. Wilshere has the rugedness of Paul Dickov, the trickery (and height) of David Thompson and the close control and cock-suredness of Harry Kewell at Leeds. I think he’s developing enormously well for his age and if he keeps it up he’ll be one hell of a player in a few seasons.
An English player with close control and who can dribble?
Someone’s taking the piss surely?