Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere, who I've always thought to be over-rated somewhat, has definitely had his fair share of injuries. There are players in the twilight of their careers of have missed less games than Wilshere has, and he's still in his very early twenties! This isn't an anti-Wilshere rant as I do believe he has great talent, just not as much as some people claim.

I'm typing this while watching the Arsenal vs Man City game and Wilshere's ankle was not too far away from the receiving end of an injury that could well have put him out for at least until the end of February (after an un-intentional trod by Javi Garcia), which makes you wonder: "why always him?".

There is that theory many managers have talked about whereby young English players burn themselves out (eg Michael Owen) too soon, partially due to the lack of a winter break. I tend to agree with that. Being a physical league as the Premier League is, a mid-season break could do wonders to:
1. Player health
2. Game quality
3. Money

The latter is a point often overlooked, but the depth required by Premier League clubs (who not only lack a mid-season break, but also have to contend with 2 domestic cups and a longer season than the Bundesliga, for example, which only has 18 teams). I don't want to side-track too much, but I will allow myself a bit of leeway. This extra bit of money could be used for, instead of bringing in foreign talent, could be used to bring in more Wilsheres and Sterlings and Cleverleys and Luke Shaws and Micah Richards etc etc, while those select few who make it through to the senior team will be less likely to have their development stumped by injuries, not to mention the upcoming "problem" of UEFA's Financial Fair Play.

Back to Wilshere: I'm not saying it's a problem to play youngsters, but it is a problem to throw players into the deep end too soon after long injuries. This is especially valid in a physical and/or high paced games such as those we see in Germany, England and on the biggest stage of all: The Champions League.

From the FA's point of view, the solution is simple:
1. Scrap the Capital One Cup - hardly anyone cares about it anyway, while the winner of it is often given a Europa League spot that 7th place deserves more and the financial rewards are minimal.
2. Introduce a Christmas break, give players a well-earned rest instead of this dreaded "busy Christmas period" we keep hearing about.

From Wilshere's point of view, the variety of choices is bigger. For one, he needs to mature and know that when a ball is unreachable, just do not go for it. Simple, he's risking himself, while not regaining possession AND restraining his ability to adjust his position as quickly as he otherwise could. Secondly, if he is carrying a niggle, he should tell Wenger exactly that: it's then Arsene's responsibility to only make him a sub or leave him out of the line-up altogether.
Finally, and more drastically, if neither he can change his mindset nor will the FA adjust their suicidal rules, he might want to seek pastures anew: even though I believe the Emirates is a great place for a youngster to develop, if his injuries are hindering his career Wilshere might have to look for a club outside of England. I'm not hinting for him to triple his wages at a PSG or Anzhi, but perhaps to become Milan's newest star or Pirlo's long term replacement (although he's not at that level quite yet at that level or anywhere near), or even ply his trade along-side Xabi Alonso in the stead of Khedira/Essien, or step into Modric's not-so-big boots, while contending for a place in the team with Kaka and Ozil - competition that could prove to be the solution to his injury woes as it will give him time to find his feet and properly recover from all niggles and otherwise.