The Arsenal legend is right about Wilshere’s best position, but wrong that he shouldn’t be played there.
Former Arsenal player Ray Parlour has claimed that the role Jack Wilshere plays for England is a waste of his abilities.
In recent games – including the 2-0 win over Switzerland – Wilshere has been played at the base of a diamond, a formation necessitated by the desire to play Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling in the hole.
“I really believe his best position is more of an advanced midfielder,” the Parlour told the Daily Mail.
“His game is best when he is doing those little one-twos around the penalty box.
“He knows exactly when to give it, he holds onto it enough and he does those driving runs forwards – I think that is Jack Wilshere at his best.”
If Wilshere’s best position is the number 10 role then the problem is that that is also Sterling’s ideal position.
SEE MORE:
Cech Transfer – Keeper linked with Serie A move.
Neymar Fail – Striker does the hard bit…
Man U Transfers – Devils line up unlikely January triple swoop.
Currently the 19-year-old is the Three Lions’ best player and he must be played in his best position, even if that means other players being shifted around to accommodate him.
Playing Wilshere with Jordan Henderson in the midfield two is also an option, but the problem is that the nation have no high quality holding midfielder.
Better have a top-level player like the Gunners ace played out of position than an ageing Michael Carrick or a sub-standard player.
Wilshere has the range of passing and the technique to play deep and if he’s supported defensively by Henderson and whomever is picked alongside him, he should be able to cope against even strong teams.
When England develop a proper defensive midfielder, the 22-year-old will be able to move forward. Until then, for the good of the team and his own development, he must be flexible and play where Roy Hodgson needs him.