We at Gunners Town are delighted to welcome Subomi Oguntoyinbo with the following superb guest post, which we’re hopeful will lead to a regular weekly column on the site.
You can find out more about our talented new writer in the biography below, but until then, kick back and enjoy the educated views of Subomi.
Make or break for Super Jack?
Jack Wilshere has hit the headlines yet again for the wrong reasons. Pictured smoking and pool partying with women and friends – a group that included Joe Hart – has done the 22 year old no favours at the minute. Speaking of time, we wonder if Jack’s is starting to run out when it comes to establishing himself as a valuable member of this current Arsenal side.
Now of course Wilshere is still considerably young and I’d like to believe that his maximum potential can still be fulfilled, but he must be wary of avoiding the same path the likes of Wayne Rooney and Gazza have trailed.
Okay, if Jack achieved half of what Rooney has with his club then some may deem it a successful career. However, I think most people can agree that Wayne could have been just that little bit greater, denying Brits the chance to debate whether he’s actually ‘world class’ or not. As a teen Rooney was outshining Cristiano Ronaldo; now compare the two.
I’m a huge admirer of Jack Wilshere’s talents and if you told me after the 10-11 season that the kid would have hardly progressed in his career, as Paul Scholes pointed out, I would’ve never believed you – but that is currently the case. Although Scholes was a little harsh in his criticism, some valid points were made.
When Wilshere admitted to calling Scholes up for advice in light of those comments I was impressed with the maturity shown and really believed that he was ready to grow up and stay focussed, but this remains to be seen.
I don’t really want to delve into recent reports surrounding Wilshere because he is still currently on holiday so should be allowed to spend his free time in whichever way he wants to. However, this is probably a good time to bring forward a topic I’ve been dwelling on for a while.
I will stick up for Wilshere in regards to his progress, as I believe injuries truly have hindered his development. Aaron Ramsey is living proof that a player should be given time to prove himself, especially when he possesses the immense talent that Jack has.
Next season will be challenging for him as Arsenal are on the search for a new physical midfielder to partner the revived Ramsey. Jack will have to take any opportunities that come his way, as Arsenal look to build a team that denies any player (midfielders especially) the privilege of simply walking into the team. Jack effectively has to compete with Ramsey as I agree with Wenger’s opinion that his best position is in the deep-lying role, the role he excelled in his breakthrough season.
This is his best role because of his drive, ability to carry the ball into more advanced areas from deep, his aggression (though currently untamed), his ability to play his way out of awkward situations and his good eye for a pass. He has tremendous attributes but they’re only demonstrated on occasion.
He is at an age now where he does have to push on and progress as a player as it’s important for both club and country that his potential is fulfilled in order to maximise their respective chances. I believe that he has it in his game to become a more rounded player than the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and even Scholes himself. He’s that special!
He tweeted his praise for World Cup hero Mario Gotze after Germany’s triumph but this is a player that was always drawn in comparison to Wilshere as a teen which in itself shows that Jack has started to lag behind.
Hopefully Jack Wilshere can stay fit, focussed whilst taking a leaf out of Aaron Ramsey’s book (who didn’t get half the support Jack still gets) and become the world class player all Gooners want to see him become.
Especially whilst wearing Dennis Bergkamp’s No. 10 shirt.
Subomi Oguntoyinbo
I am Subomi, and have been an Arsenal supporter throughout my lifetime. Currently aged 21, I study filmmaking at university in West London but I’m an aspiring screenwriter in particular. I do like to write about various topics that interest me and that tends to swing towards matters concerning Arsenal; it’s a passion of mine.
I was born and raised in North London, moved out to Essex but I am now back in North London to study.
I am Subomi. An Arsenal supporter throughout my lifetime currently in my early 20’s. I am a graduate of West London’s Met Film School and an aspiring screenwriter. I do like to write about various topics that interest me and that tends to swing towards matters concerning Arsenal, it’s a passion of mine.
I was born and raised in North London, moved out to Essex but I am now back in North London for university of course.
Nice piece , measured .
While hysteria reigns on twitter …. One hopes Jack will settle ,stay injury free and fulfill his promise.For a fan base that praises itself for loyalty …Ramseys revival should be a telling reminder that sometimes patience is a worthwhile policy.
First off I want to say superb blog! I had a
quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious
to find out how you center yourself and clear
your mind before writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my
mind in getting my thoughts out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing but
it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or
tips? Cheers!