Jack Wilshere is the latest player to start training with The Rams. He's currently avialble on a free transfer after his contract at Bournemouth was not renewed. What could he bring to Derby? We spoke with Ahmed Shooble who covers AFC Bournemouth for The Athletic about the former England international.
Wilshere made 14 appearances for Bournemouth last season. How did he perform?
Wilshere’s spell at Bournemouth last season started really well. But, in hindsight, that probably had more to do with Bournemouth’s poor form around January when he signed. The team hadn’t scored a goal from open play in Jason Tindall’s final four league games in charge and no Championship team won fewer points than Bournemouth (one) in their five games before the win over Birmingham City, which was Jonathan Woodgate’s first game as interim boss.
During that poor spell, Wilshere was working up his match fitness. It wasn’t until Woodgate’s first game against Birmingham where Wilshere started performing well, bagging a goal and an assist playing as the team’s creative hub in midfield. But after that, Wilshere’s minutes were closely managed and he didn’t have that same impact – only playing the full 90 minutes in the league once against Wycombe Wanderers when the usual starters were being rested for the play-offs.
He signed a short-term deal in January 2021. Why did Bournemouth not offer him a new one?
From the outside, Bournemouth’s midfield options suggest they will be fine without Wilshere in the squad. While he showed glimpses of the quality he flaunted at Arsenal, Philip Billing’s emergence as the side’s starting creative midfielder and Jefferson Lerma, Lewis Cook and Ben Pearson setting up shop slightly deeper in midfield, Wilshere was largely an understudy.
There was a feeling within the club that had Wilshere catapulted Bournemouth back to the Premier League, they would have certainly entertained talks of another contract. But his performance levels did not match what the club were looking for and decided to take the opportunity to rebuild instead. After all, I don’t imagine Wilshere would want to be kicking his heels on the bench in the Championship.
How would you sum up his time in Dorset?
Fleeting but memorable at times. Judging from the games I was able to attend, he was always capable of a bit magic in the pre-match rondo despite relying solely on his trusty left foot.
How was his injury record last season?
To my knowledge, I don’t recall him being out injured. Bournemouth did a good job of managing his minutes and not over-exerting what his body was able to do. He averaged 50 minutes per game last season and that is the most he has managed in a league season since his final campaign for Arsenal in 2017-18.
How have injuries impacted how Wilshere plays?
Naturally, that initial burst over the first 5-10 yards is no longer as explosive but Wilshere’s playing style has not really changed. His manipulation of the ball on the half turns still sold his markers last season and playing in a deeper midfield role meant he was tasked with a lot of the dirty work off the ball too.
What type of midfielder is Jack Wilshere?
That’s an interesting one. I think it depends on who you ask. When I spoke to Tindall last season he said: “He can play a deeper role as a No 6, where the danger is in front of him and use his creativity and vision to unlock teams from a deeper area. He can play as a No 8 slightly higher up the pitch and use his clever touches and passes to unlock a defence. And Jack can also play as a No 10 if need be. He’s played it in his career before and he’s effective in those areas as well.”
When I asked him, he says he doesn’t see himself as a No 10 as he thinks that position no longer exists in football. In my opinion, I think you can play Wilshere in a deeper midfield two alongside a more defensive presence or as an advanced No 8 in a more attacking team.
What are his strengths?
Wilshere’s main strength is his quick thinking and ability to find creative passing solutions under pressure. He likes to receive the ball on the half turn to evade his marker and then play quick through balls to his attackers running into space.
What are his weaknesses?
Wilshere often struggled with the physicality of the Championship while playing in a deeper midfield role – a far cry from the combative presence of Lerma or Pearson.
How can Derby get the best out of Wilshere?
By managing his minutes and carefully choosing his midfield partners to compliment what Wilshere already brings to the team. He will not start every single Championship game if he signs for Derby, but when he plays, he needs to have those defensive legs around him to carry the bulk of the burden out of possession. Someone like Krystian Bielik would be ideal.
What would you expect from him this season if he signs for Derby County and stays fit?
Wilshere is still a quality player so I expect some decent showings despite Derby’s many issues. He could be one of few shining lights to keep the club in Championship. Hopefully Wayne Rooney and Liam Rosenior can get behind Wilshere and bring the best out of him both on a man-management level and a tactical one too.