England midfielder stuck between positions and suffering as he fails to nail down regular spot
Friday 21 November 2014 06:55, UK
Jack Wilshere’s form is being hampered by his inconsistent positioning in Arsenal’s midfield, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.
The latest round of international fixtures saw Wilshere played in a deeper role for England, with the 22-year-old lauded for his performance against Scotland on Tuesday.
Roy Hodgson’s use of Wilshere as a holding midfielder, which differs from his regular position further up the field at Arsenal, has led many to suggest he should adopt such a role at club level.
And when asked where he believed Wilshere was at his best for club and country, Merson said regular positional changes between international and domestic football would ultimately damage the progression of the promising midfielder.
“I think he’s in a ‘catch 22’ situation at the moment,” Merson told Sky Sports News HQ. “He’s playing a holding role for England, I didn’t think he had that in his locker but he plays there and he’s comfortable with it.
“And then he goes back to Arsenal and plays in a midfield where Aaron Ramsey will be in front of him, and Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta will be behind him, and he’ll be in the middle.
“I think he’s a bit lost at Arsenal, he should be the one who’s playing a bit further forward instead of Ramsey. But he’s getting better again, he’s getting fitter again and, when he does, he’s a player.”
Morning View guest Charlie Nicholas asked Merson whether Wilshere should demand a deeper position at the Emirates - citing his performance at Celtic Park as evidence he is more influential as a holding midfielder.
And while agreeing with Nicholas’ suggestion, Merson believed such a move by the Englishman might not succeed due to the damage it could cause to Arsene Wenger’s tactical decision-making.
He’s stuck at the moment at Arsenal and that’s why I don’t think he's showing great form.
“Wilshere should either play as a holding man instead of Flamini or Arteta, like he has with England, or further forward,” Merson replied.
“He’s stuck at the moment at Arsenal and that’s why I don’t think he is showing great form. Ramsey is the one getting forward and Wilshere seems to be the one stuck in the middle of the pitch with people running at him left, right and centre.
“He’s not getting the blame as such, but we all think when Jack Wilshere is on the ball he’s the main player. If he (Wenger) puts him in the holding role then it’s like Roy Hodgson has told Arsene how to play him, so that won’t happen.”
Wilshere’s deployment could have an impact this Saturday as Manchester United travel to the Emirates, a game which Merson believes will hinge on the defensive capabilities of each side.
“It could end up being a shootout if I’m being honest,” he added. “Both sets of forwards will fancy scoring and both teams going forward are as good as anybody in the Premier League. It’s at the back where the game will be decided.
“I think Arsenal will just win. I think they have to win. With Man United being away from home and having a lot more injuries I think it’s more important that Arsenal win this game.”
Watch Arsenal v Manchester United live on Saturday Night Football. Coverage from the Emirates starts at 4:45pm, Sky Sports 1 HD
