19. Jack Wilshere

Skilful, strong, inventive and versatile, Jack is one of the most exciting young talents in the English game.

He joined Arsenal in 2001 as a nine-year-old and has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the Club’s ranks ever since. By 16 he had made his Reserve team debut and was soon part of Arsène Wenger’s first-team squad.

Jack became Arsenal’s youngest ever League player when he came on as a substitute in a 4-0 victory at Blackburn in September 2008. He was just 16 years 256 days at the time.

The teenager opened his account for the Club 10 days later with a low drive in the Carling Cup win over Sheffield United and he went on to make six first-team appearances in total last season, making his mark in the Champions League and FA Cup too.

Jack celebrated his 17th birthday on New Year’s Day by signing professional terms with Arsenal and he finished the season in style, helping the Club lift the FA Youth Cup for the first time in eight years.

Jack was a vital cog in that Under-18 machine but, on the evidence of pre-season, he can expect to be playing at a higher level this term. Two classy displays in the Emirates Cup – including two goals against Rangers – earned Jack consecutive man-of-the-match awards and his first call-up to the England Under-21 squad.

Now he will look to force his way into the Arsenal first team on a regular basis. Without doubt, Jack has the ability to be a major player at Emirates Stadium for years to come.

 

MY YEAR

October

Jack played 90 minutes for England Under-21s in their 6-3 victory over Macedonia. He missed the Carling Cup win over Liverpool and the North London derby after sustaining an ankle injury.

September

Jack was a late substitute in the 3-2 win against Standard Liege and played 90 minutes in the Carling Cup victory over West Brom. Manager Arsène Wenger set him the objective of improving his game this season rather than giving him a target number of first-team appearances to achieve. "I believe you do not know what will happen throughout the season so for Jack the objective is to improve," said Wenger. "There are some areas where he can improve and that is most important that you work on everything."

August

Jack had the nation talking in August after two goals and impressive performances in the Emirates Cup. Manager Arsène Wenger compared Wilshere to Wayne Rooney when the Manchester United striker started his career at Everton. "He has belief and a positive attitude to going forwards," said Wenger during a press conference at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Jack earned himself an England Under-21 call up and made his debut as Stuart Pearce's side where held to a 0-0 draw in Holland.


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