With Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas not due to report back for pre-season training until Thursday, youngster Jack Wilshere reminded Gunners fans why he is considered as the Spaniard’s potential successor with a superb man of the match performance against Celtic in the Emirates Cup on Sunday.
18-year-old Wilshere lit up the heart of the Gunners midfield with an all-action, dynamic display and repeat performances throughout the campaign could see the youngster catapulted into the England set-up for the up-and-coming Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Stevenage born Wilshere is expected to make a big impact in the Premier League this season, after impressing during a 14 game spell on loan at Bolton last season and that assessment looks spot on judging by his delightful pre-season performances.
Wilshere is considered as the natural heir to the Fabregas throne after becoming Arsenal’s youngest ever Premier League debutant at the age of 16 years and 256 days, a record previously held by Fabregas himself. Similar in style and stature to the former Barcelona youngster, Wilshere has been tipped to become an Arsenal legend in his own right. His path to regular Gunners first team action could be made somewhat easier should Fabregas demand a transfer to Catalonia this summer.
While the potential departure of Fabregas would be an obvious blow to the North Londoners, the prospect of Wilshere coupled with the emergence of Welshman Aaron Ramsey, due back from injury in November, is one to relish. Boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is set to unleash Wilshere this season, but has warned his rising star he must be patient in his bid for first-tem football.
“I believe he is stronger than last year, physically, and the few months he played at Bolton has given him something,” Wenger commented following his side’s 3-2 pre-season win over Celtic.
“He will be used at the club, of course. The problem at that age is to be patient. If you look at the number of good players we have in midfield, nobody can guarantee a position to anybody.”
While it seems the only issue to clear up regarding Fabregas’ inevitable return to Barca is whether it happens this season or next, Wenger is desperate for his talismanic skipper to remain at the Emirates for one more year. This would give Wilshere the chance to adapt his game further before taking on the central midfield mantle permanently. Wenger is fully confident Wilshere will eventually become the star of his Gunners midfield but believes he needs another season of development. Should Fabregas demand a transfer, Wenger will attempt to delay the move for another year before cashing in on the 23-year old. This is not a formality however, with both clubs poles apart on their valuation of the player and the Catalans struggling financially.
Frenchman Wenger also has another hot prospect in Ramsey, whom he signed from Cardiff in 2008. The 19-year-old has already made 27 appearances for the first team and has 11 Welsh caps under his belt. Despite breaking his leg in February, Ramsey signed a new long-term contract at the club in July and is expected to feature regularly upon his return.
Wenger will lament the fact that after years of developing Fabregas the midfield maestro appears set on a return to his homeland. Wenger’s idealistic philosophy and youth strategy has yet to deliver a trophy and the club’s last piece of silverware remains the 2005 FA Cup triumph. Should Fabregas leave then his side will take another step backwards and it could take years before Ramsey reaches the same world class level of the Spanish wizard, if at all.
However just as Fabregas took over from the aging Patrick Vieira, Wilshere can make the step up and help ease the burden should their captain depart. Helping deliver a trophy this season and aiding the development of his successor would be the perfect way for Fabregas to sign off his Arsenal career. But whatever happens, Arsenal fans will take comfort from knowing they have Wilshere and Ramsey waiting in the wings if Fabregas finally makes his long awaited move to the Nou Camp.
With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery
