Arsenal’s very own Lionel Messi?

For all his errors this season, Arsene Wenger’s desire to wrap key man Jack Wilshere up in cotton wool, is perhaps the most understandable.

He’s the future of this Arsenal side and has a major part to play in how this next-generation of English players will adapt and evolve. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to suggest that the next England team will be built around young ‘Jackie’ Wilshere.

But, this season saw Wilshere play his first competitive game in 18 months. That’s right, following an innocuous enough looking injury during an Emirates Cup game (of all things!) Arsenals brightest young spark was snubbed out and forced to bide his time for a year and a half.

Set-backs, recurrences and long periods of convalescence followed. But this season, he’s back and better than ever. It’s astounding how quickly Wilshere has found his feet again, lodged himself firmly in the Arsenal first-team and started putting in the type of performances that get pundits purring.

The youngster is a real talent and I’m not surprised that Arsene Wenger is keen to avoid him picking up any other injuries. His development has already been hindered by his long-term injury and just about everybody is desperate to see just how good Jack Wilshere will end up.

Despite this, there were plenty of furrowed brows when Wenger left Wilshere out of the Gunner’s starting line-up against Blackburn. In the end Arsenal lost 1-0 and you get the feeling that they probably should have started their best player from the start of the game (and then taken him off at the appropriate stage).

According to Mirror article titled, ‘Let me be your Messi’, Wilshere has told Arsene Wenger that he wants to be the first name on the team sheet in every game – just like the aforementioned Barcelona star. A bold request, without a doubt.

Lionel Messi is in the peak years of his career, whilst Wilshere is returning from an injury and needs to be monitored closely. Despite these concerns, you can’t help but feel that Jack is ready for the game-time. He’s ridden a number of tough challenges this season, played in some fairly intensive games and he’s always been the most energetic man on the pitch.

Yes, there’s danger of burn-out, but the man’s a real game-winner – so keep him on the pitch until the job’s done and then give him an early bath.

Jack’s proving on a weekly basis that he’s ready. It’s time for Arsene Wenger to act accordingly.

What’s your take? Could Jack Wilshere be Arsenal’s very own Lionel Messi?

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