It’s that time of the year when we, football fans, can sit and contemplate on what has transpired in the recently concluded transfer window. With no club football to look forward to over the weekend, we can always substitute the match day updates with discussions over what to make of moves made. A name that will inevitably come up in the discussion is Jack Wilshere, who joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan to resurrect his flailing career.
Touted to be amongst the best in the business at a very early age, Wilshere’s timeline as a footballer has intrigued a number of football fans and critics alike. Despite being just 24, the midfielder has already experienced numerous highs and lows in his footballing career. With injuries often playing spoilsport, it has come to a point where many believe he has already passed his best years and Arsene Wenger might have already indicated that his long-term future does not belong at the club by letting him leave on a loan.
The decision by Sam Allardyce to drop him from the English squad for the World Cup qualifiers is believed to have forced Wilshere to rethink his footballing career and make the loan move.
However, the decision to move to Bournemouth when a number of top clubs from Europe has shocked many and we will have to wait until Wilshere decides to lift the lid on the tin to explain the rationale behind the decision.
What is in the move for Jack Wilshere?
Having acquired Granit Xhaka, Arsenal have adequate depth in the centre midfield position with the likes of Mohamed Elneny, Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey vying between them to partner the Swiss destroyer in the middle of the part. Given the numbers, Wilshere would have found playing time hard to come by, especially with his injury troubles that often disrupt the rhythm of the club.
The move to Bournemouth is expected to provide the English international with extended playing time and he will be keen to make sure that every minute he is on the pitch adds to his credentials as one of the top midfielders in the country. Additionally, he will be provided with an opportunity to once again prove his ability to function as the midfield maestro of a Premier League side.
Interestingly, the move also presents him with an opportunity to prove his mettle in tough surroundings. Despite playing some good football, there is no escaping the fact that Bournemouth might be involved in a relegation battle, come the end of the season. Should Wilshere perform to his potential and help the Cherries buck the trend, it would add immensely to his reputation and the player could even be back in the plans of Wenger.
“I had a good chat with the manager and feel sure that this is the best place for me to play and develop this season. I am looking forward to working hard every day with the coaching staff and my new team-mates to help the club achieve success on the pitch,” said Wilshere in an interview after joining the club.
What does the move bring to Bournemouth?
Bournemouth were never believed to be in the race to sign the midfielder and have, in plain terms pulled out a rabbit out of a hat by signing a player of Wilshere’s stature. His abilities as a top midfielder, when fit, are well documented and he could bring some much-needed quality to his new side’s spine. He adds immensely to the creativity of his side, especially with his ability to find his teammates in critical positions over the pitch as well as play as the link between the side’s defence and attack.
The player’s previous loan move to Bolton Wanderers provided rich dividends for the player as well as Bolton as he not only enhanced his reputation as a midfielder by putting in consistent performances in the middle of the park, he also helped Bolton avoid relegation. The Bournemouth fans will be hoping that Wilshere, who is a better player now than he was 6 seasons ago, can prove to be the catalyst for a positive change for the club in a short span of time.
The Cherries’ manager Eddie Howe expressed his pleasure at acquiring the midfielder’s services for a season in an interview with BBC and was quoted as saying “We are very excited. It’s not a transfer we expected a few days ago but we are very grateful that he chose us.Hopefully [we can give him] a platform to be at his very best levels. We will work extremely hard to try to showcase him in the best possible way. Our style of football will certainly help him.”
With the club set to face West Brom and Manchester City in the next rounds of League football, Wilshere has an opportunity to make an instant impact and establish himself in the hearts of the Bournemouth faithful.
