Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere 'paying price for England not winning World Cup', says Arsene Wenger
The 22-year-old has not progressed as expected because of his injuries, insists the Gunners manager
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsène Wenger has defended Jack Wilshere against criticism that he has not lived up to his early potential, saying: “He is being made to pay the price for England not winning the World Cup. I believe at the moment he should not respond to it, just focus on his game.”
Four years ago Jack Wilshere was hailed as the future. A year ago he was a spent force, a failure. Now, after a bright start to the season, his manager says the 22-year-old midfielder, who has been around for a long time but missed more than 18 months through injury, is “right where he should be”.
“No, he is not as far [progressed] as everyone expected him to be from when he was 18,” Wenger said. “But he’s not as far because he was injured, not because he doesn’t train seriously.
“When you get to 22, the expectation level comes on you. Rooney has gone through that, now it’s Wilshere.”
Wenger, whose Arsenal team visit Everton on Saturday, knows what he expects from a young man who still has the power to transform his side.
“I told him the target is for him to have the whole season being available to play. At the moment, I believe he should just focus on that – being fit, present and to improve physically. The rest will come along. If he can maintain himself physically fit, then he will have a huge career.”
Wenger also said he had “no regrets” about not seeking to re-sign Cesc Fabregas and thought Aaron Ramsey would turn out to be a better player. “He has developed into a player with huge potential and I think there is more coming out of Aaron Ramsey in the future,” said Wenger. “He’s younger than Cesc and the potential is there to get more out of Aaron.”
The Arsenal manager confirmed he is continuing to look for a central defender to replace his departed captain, Thomas Vermaelen who has joined Barcelona.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments