It is without doubt that Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is one of the most exciting prospects in club football, but turning a promising young boy into world class player is no easy feat.
However, Jack stands a bigger chance than many other young footballers, as he will be guided and watched over by the master of youth development, Arsène Wenger. Wilshere burst onto the scene last year, but for many of the clubs coaching staff, his early prominence came as no surprise.
Jack’s abilities were first spotted as his played for his school team aged just 8 years old, and from that moment on the process started to first capture the player, and then begin work on nurturing his precious talents. As he rose through the ranks at Hale End, it quickly became obvious he was by far superior to his team mates, and was frequently played alongside older players in the system.
After finishing the 06-07 season as the Under 16 captain, Steve Bould and the Academy staff took the decision to blend him into the competitive Under 18 side. The original plan was to slowly integrate him, and monitor how he reacted to facing up against opposition which was often three years older than him.
Little did Bould know when he handed him his debut, that he would go on to become the sides most influential and important player. The season finished with the Luton born lad in double figures for both goals and assists, and almost overnight become the main talking point for all Arsenal followers.
The main intrigue around Wilshere was that very few people knew anything about him. Some said he was a striker, others a winger, and some suggesting he could be a holding midfielder. All these questions were answered as the season progressed, as he was thrown in at the deep end again with a start for the Reserves. The left footed magician ran rings around Premiership quality in the form of Liam Rosenior, and it was clear this boy was special.
Neil Banfield chose to start the now 16 year old against West Ham in late April, the perfect stage for him to show off all his talents, and he did not disappoint. Wenger joined David Court and Steve Bould in the stand, to watch the new golden boy in action.
With just 24 minutes on the clock, Wilshere rolled off his marker and played a perfect ball for Rui Fonte to slot home the opener. The now infamous clip of Arsène beaming a huge smile showed his instant impact. He would go on to rifle home a 20 yard stunner into the top corner to seal the win, and show the Arsenal boss he has everything in the locker.
Blogs and Forums alike were buzzing with the sound of Jack’s name, with everybody in agreement the boy was something special. The following day saw Wenger mention his plans to promote him to the first team, and after speaking with the players father, everything was in place for him to once more be pushed on during the forthcoming season.
You could have forgiven Wilshere if he got carried away with himself, but the Frenchman was now in contact with Liam Brady, and although he was already full time with the first team, he was sent away with the Under 16 team for the Atalanta Cup. This period cooled all the attention on him, and proved to be a shrewed and intelligent decision. Even though he won player of the tournament, playing with boys his same age stopped him from getting carried away, firmly establishing himself as just a youngster.
Last month he penned a scholarship contract, which will become professional on his 17th birthday. It’s unknown what the future holds for Jack Wilshere, but with Arsène Wenger looking after his development, anything is possible.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Is he better than Paolo Vernazza?
Great Site, always an excellent read
You mention in the article that there is confusion over Jack Wilshere’s exact position. What is his strongest position?
great article J. the depth of your knowledge keeps me coming back to this site every few hours for updates!
Looking forward to seeing more of Wilshere for the reserves next season. Looks class.
One of the main reasons I am looking forward to the next season. As soon as this guy gets a first team number, then I am getting him on the back of my shirt. I just love this kid and the thought of him, Cesc and Ramsey together in midfield for the years to come should scare the hell out of other teams. Mark my words, Jack Wilshere will be the closest thing to Fabregas we got, apart from Fabregas himself of course. Or you could say that he will be a Hleb that shoots.
of course he is better than Vernazza! Vernazza was technically no where near Wilshere. Its difficult for Wenger because if he plays Wilshere in games then the English press hype these players up and place far too much pressure on them to perform because he is English. I hope he gets some Carling cup games and by the end of the season be on the bench and maybe make some cameo appearances in order to be in the first team squad when he is 18. I hope now Walcott and Bazarite and Nordveit push on.
I saw Vernazza in a local pub downing vodka and redbulls while Arsenal produced a masterclass against Reading away last season. I also saw him with Pennat downing lagers…whilst thinking that is why Henry, Pires and Vieira were world class and the English lads at Arsenal were not making the first team..they do not take it seriously. As Wenger outlined its the “mental” attitude and maturity which will mean good players have a successful career not simply their skill.
J im not sure if it was on this blog or another, but someone mntioned that he was like David Silva of Spain?
this boy is gonna be massive when arsene starts building him into a brill player and jack wont be missed out arsene brought up theo and coudl he bring him up i duno lets hope we keep them both within the future
Yeh i seen him play a few times for the reserves he looks a class act the best youngster we got. I think he a similar player to helb, just shoots more often, quick feet close control, a left footer. On another subject any1 know much about that bostock spurs are getting how good is he. Dooes any1 think he any better than are youngsters i doubt it.
im surprised how tall he is. He seems to have grown a good bit since the you tube clip against West Ham. Good luck to the lad. Without knowing him it seems he is a level headed lad unlike Pennant. He could have no better role model than Fabregas to look up to.
Fantastic update Sanderson!!
Along with Traore the only young player from the reserves to stand a chance of making it at Arsenal.Some of the hype our young players get is absurd.Reading sites like this you would have thought Barazite and Nordviet where world class,When the fact is Barazite is no better than Antony Stokes at the same age and Nordviet has been rubbish at basic defending,although it has been an injury hit first year.
I would have to disagree about your comments “The Daddy”, Anthony Stokes is a different kettle of fish. Stokes was slow and as we can see from his Sunderland days not mature enough to progress at Arsenal. Barazite is quicker, technically better and has a better head on his shoulders than Stokes. Nordviet is very mature and a good passer, once his physical side picks up he can make it, Wenger would not say things to praise him otherwise. Traore I feel lacks some focus and needs to pen down a position he is comfortable with otherwise you don’t know if he is a left back or left midfielder. Lets not forgte Keiran Gibbs can take his place should Traore’s focus falter. Further Lansbury could push into teh first team and would now need to push Ramsey. Competition is fierce for the youngsters but with the faith shown by Wenger they have a fantastic opportunity.
I am excited by the Carling cup squad this year and hope the likes of Vela, Gibbs, Ramsey, Barazite, Wilshere and Nordviet push through to benefit Arsenal massively in the future. Essentially its about the players and whether they are up for the task.
I remember spotting him having games for the u18 team in the 06/07 season. Wondering who he was, his stats told me that he could be a great player for the club. Happy to see that I might be proven right too!
Great article J! A real enjoyment to read, Wilshere is class but i sonly 16 so lets not put too much pressure on the lad!
ALl the Gooners who’ve watched Jack Wilshere have been going on and on about the kid. All the Gooners who haven’t have been asking “who is he like?” If you look at that game that JS mentioned, he gave that Hleb-esque through ball for Rui Fonte to score, then scored one RvP-esque free kick with his left foot, and was running the game throughout like a mini-Cesc. Seriously! Now can we say who he’s like? We can’t, because he’s got a bit of everything (except a strong right foot)! He also struck me as a very mature player in terms of choosing the right pass and running the right way to support the main striker. I’d say he’s like a versatile attacking midfielder, maybe 2nd striker but Barazite is much closer there (like a mini-RvP again). I know I sound all over the moon, but this kid indeed is special.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITVSdAzBjXY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK8Z4lgSHkE&feature=related
I agree with “The Daddy” that Nordviet’s basic defending leaves alot to be desired but Barazite should make it @ arsenal because he is an exceptional talent.
I would have to disagree Galvinho.I Can’t see Barazite ever making a multi million pound transfer or being a squad player for a prem team.Certainly no better than Bendtner or Lupoli at the same age.
Bendtner is better than Lupoli and would be sold for a multi million pound fee? In current market prices I think he is worth at least £7-8m. I mean Seb Larsson is now rated at £4.5m and Muamba went to Bolton for £4m? Bentley is now rated at £15m? so I don’t know where you have your reasoning from? Barazite could easily join another Prem club next season and make a name but I think Wenger will look to give him a run out in the CC games.
^ and Bendtner made the first team
Unfortunately I have never fully seen him play apart from THAT Youtube clip and I got to say he reminds me of Messi cutting in from the right to his left. He also looks like he can comfortably play in the Attacking mid centre where most of his damage will come from though bringing dynamism from the wings. Also reminds me of Pires.
With Wilshere, Nortviet, Randall, Lansbury, Fabregas, Ramsi, Nasri, Bendtner and Diaby makes a great team.
Just wondering Mr Sanderson have any other clubs come in for him before like Barcelona?
Those comments from Sagna epitomise exactly why losing Ade, Hleb, Flamini and Jens in the same summer sends such a bad message to our top players like Sagna, RVP and Cesc.
However much I can’t stand Ade at the moment, losing him along with 3 other experienced players who were all part of our first X1 last season (maybe not Jens), could cause major issues with other players who will undoubtedly be questioning the ambition of the club.
Sagna best right back in the world,
What you think guys
Sanderson do you filter the messages in this blog
Well I wouldnt swap Sagna for another right back.How he didnt get into the French squad is beyond me,Clichy you could understand having Evra and Abidal ahead of him.
Yeh Sagna is one of the best right backs in the world, the only one i think is better is S Ramos For Real madrid he is class and younger i think. I think Clichy is pretty much the best left back around.How many players do pppl think we will sign this season? And what formation do you think we will play this season i think we might play 4-3-3 like holland, we got alot players suitrd to that formation. I think we have alot youngsters but only a few will make with us. I like Traore he got everything you need to be a top player, prob be better on left mid thou. He aint gona ge past Clichy is he.
I dont rate abidal at all he is so over rated not a ptch on Clichy dont know what games the french coach has been watching. When he played him CB that was crazy has he got a job as manager ill never thou. Its not hard job really the basics are you play LB at LB and CB at CB what a twat!!!!
Any news on Diogo? apparently he said (according to the Daily mail today) that he is interested in a move to the EPL. Adebayor 0ut 30M Diogo in 13M?
ramos is better going forwad but cant defend for shit didnt anyone watch the euros
I wouldnt agree with that i thought ramos was one of spain best players he was class going forward and gd at the back always winning headers and helping the CB also didnt really seen any1 beat him down the wing either. Sagna a class player no doubt but id prob say Ramos was jus bit better, that da only one i can yhink of thou. Eboue?
Diogo sounds gd but he another youngster who would need time to settle dont see the point in getting cos we already have alot of gd youngsters to play up front Bendtner,Walcott,Vela,Barazite,plus RVP eduardo.
“Sagna a class player no doubt but id prob say Ramos was jus bit better, that da only one i can yhink of thou. Eboue?”
Sagna is better defencivley than Ramos but Ramos is slightly better going forward, simply cuz he does it more, bit more flair aswell. Id say level pending further analysis. Eboue….is a very good right back, not a very good winger (yet? Maybe never… pending further analysis).
Wilshire can do a Fabregas, he was freescoring for the U18s last season and got 2 in 3 for the reserves. He’ll probably only get CC games next season if anything, but if he gets on the pitch ud mark him as a possible scorer, and if that happens, we’ll…we’ve seen before. He technically very, very good, great passer, great shot, mentally hes spot on, to be honest the only thing that i can point on is hes a bit short and a bit skinny, but hey, other players managed to get round that before.
That’s a shame, but I’m not worried. Samir [Nasri] should arrive soon and then there are a lot of young players knocking at the door.
that shows we have signed samir nasri and sagana rates him higher than helb Kolo5 sagna said he is not worried at all so i dont see how you come to your conclusion
people forget last year we lost henry freddie and only got sagna and edurado and this year we have lost helb and flamini and we replaced them with samri nasir and ramesy plus vela coming back and the likes of edurado, rosicky and rvp fit i dont see the problem
i agree with you louis! not sure why we are paniking. I think the mancs should be more worried. Fergie is loosing his best player and querez! Ha ha
He plays best as a winger IMO. Either cutting in from the right hand side on his left foot, or as an out and winger on left.
He always finds the space, and is alethal finisher.
Wilshere won’t play in the Carling Cup next year, at 16, anyone can steal him. Until he’s signed Professional terms, I don’t see Wenger risking it or rushing him. It’d be nice to see him in a dud game in the FA Cup if we get one, but I doubt we’ll see him until he turns 17..
sergio ramos is rubbish he can’t defend is it me or has anyone noticed ronaldo plays left mid against arsenal to get away from clichy and then he still plays shit marking sagna
I really hope Jack Wilshire turns out to be Alex Hleb with end product. Anyway, still got a long way to go but as Wenger said, the top level footballers start to show around this age.
Big things are expected of Jack.
Not exactly positive noises from Sagna either…!.
When asked if his new deal is a proof of a long-term commitment to Arsenal, Sagna said: “Not necessarily. In fact, it doesn’t mean anything.
“The proof is that most of the players leave even when they are under contract. The important thing is most of all to perform well.
“The rest is destiny. Everyone has his.”
he is hlebs best replacement from what i have seen
He is talking about contracts in general rather than his own future. We saw yesterday with the Hleb thing how the media mess around with quotes
I made a note of Wilshire in 2006 for England u16s, he was a bit of an understoody for Bostock then and only had two part games, but he was very clever at slipping balls through for the strikers. It’s interesting that after a dearth of English midfielders for a long time we now have the likes of Wilshire, Shelvey (Charlton),Bostock, Frimpong and Jordan Mutch (Brum)all leaving school at the same time. So much for the “we have no technically gifted players coming through anymore” brigade.
wilshere gd player for the future, he is the one to watch from the academy english players!
J, how do you rate John Bostock, who I think Spurs have just signed? Is he really the best teenager in England? A better talent than Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, etc?
John Bostock and Jack Wilshere are two of the best talents in there age group in Europe never mind England and they are both supirior talents to Aaron Ramsay, and injury and form permitting England could have two genuine world class football players on there hands in a few seasons time, also i forgot to mention Crystal Palaces Victor Moses as well because he is also class IMO
Jack Wilshere is a better prospect than John Bostock IMO. And i think we will see that soon. John Bostock is a party boy, very cocky.
Jack Wilshere is a very kind young boy, who often speaks of his appreacation for his mum and dad.
So arsenal players that are leaving are:lehman, hleb, flamini maybe adebayor, gilberto-paniathaoks players in:ramsey and nasri, Is it me or did Wenger say he would buy an experienced player and it looks like he si not
i hope ade goes. gilberto should stay he has experience
LSOE
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Have you been watching shelvey regulary? Because this is a player that interest me alot!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_under-17_football_team
9 arsenal under 17 players for england the most of any team
Jack is going to be big!!! He used to tear it up for teh priory and he is still always about in hitchin! he’s very modest and not cocky or arrogant but he is self assured and has faith and confidence in his own ability! He is also 100% focused and has a good family supporting him and pushing him forward! We have to keep hold of him and make sure we give him oppotunities to progress as he could be amazing!
Jack doesn’t seem as small as first thought saw him in the pics of the players training yesterday and seemed to be one of the biggest.
hopefully not another one just to be sold (wenger said 17 yrs of selling)… last time i checked out of wengers transfers in and out throughout his arsenal tenure and had only lost £50m if we sell ade and hleb tht no. b more like 30-35m in a few years he will have actually made a profit!
BooMer -I’ve studied Shelvey closely and he is the real deal, future England star, as is Wilshire of course. Wilshire has it over Bostock because of his goals and “Spanish type” creativety.Both left footers of course – just when we thought they were extinct.I’d love to see Murphy come back after last seasons problems. He’s actually done better for England as an isolated target man, than Danny “Samba Boy” Welbeck for Man U.And they say our youngsters don’t have the technical ability anymore eh?
Honestly, some people just do not know the game. Firstly, Wilshire is NOT an midfield player in the making. He will be a second striker.He resembles Rooney (only left footed)in style of play. Barazite is top class and what sets him apart from many is his size. He plays more like(sorry)Berbatov. Thank goodness Arsene is in charge not some of you.
LLoyd you’re talking cobblers. He’s a midfield player.
Correct me if i’m wrong but i don’t think he can be taken by any club as he has signed a pre-contract agreement to sign with Arsenal profesionally when he reaches 17. This is the legal age to sign a contract. Also if Bostock was better than Whilshire i’m sure Wenger would have at least been in for him.
Not even United Liverpool or Chelsea were after him, another Aarron Lennon wasted potential.
daniel alves is the best right back in the world. and then it is sagna. but i a few years sagna wil be better