Is Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere worthy of a start against Everton?

Jack Wilshere

Arsenal host Roberto Martinez’s Everton on Sunday, in a clash that sees top play fifth. If results go their way, a win could see the Gunner’s go seven points clear at the top of the league. Jack Wilshere only came off the bench in the midweek win over Hull City but could be in line to start against the Toffees. The question is, with the Arsenal midfield playing so well, does he deserve a spot in the starting eleven?

Wilshere has only missed one game through injury this season, which has been a positive for the club. However his fitness has to be managed which is why he has only played five full Premier League games, been subbed off in four and brought off the bench in four games.

His Squawka Performance Score of 167 is only the fifth best of the Arsenal midfielders. Of those getting regular game time, only Santi Cazorla has a lower score. This shows more or less where he ranks in the Arsenal midfield across most of the important statistics.

His pass completion is excellent with an 86% success rate. While this puts him in the upper reaches of Premier League passers, it sees him fall short of many of the Gunners midfield. Only Tomas Rosicky has lower, and only by 1%, Aaron Ramsey is at 86%, the same as Wilshere, while Mikel Arteta and Matthieu Flamini excel with 92%.

Wilshere Passes by Type

Wilshere has only made 14 key passes though, with one assist. Forgetting those who play a more defensive role in midfield and looking at the more creative players,Mesut Ozil and Ramsey have both made far more key passes while Cazorla betters Wilshere by two.

In terms of goals and shot accuracy, he also falls behind Ozil and Ramsey. Wilshere has been playing a more advanced role this season but has still scored far less than the lethal, eight goal, Ramsey and one less than Germany international Ozil. His shot accuracy is 67%, which is by no means bad but Ramsey hits 71% on target and Ozil 80%.

His tackle success is again respectable bordering on good with 58% won, but it is also more tackles won than both Flamini and Arteta, which suggests than maybe Wilshere could and would be better deployed in a deeper midfield role.

Wilshere Tackles

In addition he only wins 38% of his attempted take ons.

Jack Wilshere is certainly worthy of a place in the Arsenal midfield, whether against Everton on Sunday or against anyone else. Arsenal through and through and a quality player, he will not let the side down.

However the issue is who do you leave out at his expense? With his fitness and injuries an issue Wilshere needs to be managed, which is why he has started two and come off the bench in two of Arsenal’s last four games.

When he does not play Arsenal play well, when he does play Arsenal play well. Does he deserve to start against Everton? Yes, but so does every other Arsenal midfield with significant game time this season. Perhaps even more so than the England international.