Wilshere comes of age despite Arsenal Champions League defeat

Arsenal and their fans may feel hard done by after losing 3-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League last night.

However there was one bright spot from last night and that was the display of their youngest player.

I thought England youngster Jack Wilshere was superb for the Gunners against some of the world’s best midfielders.

Experience

Last night was the sort of experience that will only help Wilshere develop into a world-class player. He himself has revealed today that it was a brilliant experience. Wilshere told Sky Sports: “To be playing against people like Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta is brilliant.

“It was a great experience. At my age, I am still learning and there are no better players to learn from. Barcelona will probably win it now because they are the best team in Europe.”

He could do worse than to model his game on the Spanish pair. The duo are the same stature of the 19 year-old and they are a good example of if your good enough you’re tall enough. Wilshere reminds me slightly of Iniesta in the way he plays the game.

Last night he made some crucial interventions when his side was under immense pressure from the Spanish champions. He showed composure at times that some of his older teammates lacked on the night.

In fact he had a far better game than his more illustrious midfield partner Cesc Fabregas.  The Gunners captain had a poor game on his hometown return. Fabregas was obviously not fit and at times it really did show as the game by-passed him.

Wilshere wouldn’t look out of place in the Barcelona side. He is a Barcelona type player. Somebody at Barcelona said that the Catalan club has eight players like Wilshere in the Barca B team. If they have then that’s just frightening for the rest of Europe.

England

Jack Wilshere is one of the most promising players of his generation. He has a natural ability that few players in the English have. The England team is crying out for a bit of vision and creativity and Wilshere could be the answer.

He has already been called up to the full England team and surely he should now be a regular squad member for the Three Lions for years to come. Big games against big players will only help him progress onto the international scene.

Mature

Jack Wilshere has a maturity beyond his years, both on and off the field. When you hear the interviews he conducts you think your listening to a far more experienced player. He also displays an incredible confidence in his own ability.

Some people may see it as arrogance but Wilshere is well grounded and doesn’t have a big ego like some youngsters who have the world at their feet.

Future

The game at the Nou Camp is just the start for the immensely talented Wilshere. I’m sure the youngster will be involved in many more big occasions. Jack Wilshere is set for a big future in football and I’m sure he will enjoy much happy times in his football career.

Was Jack Wilshere Arsenal’s best player at the Nou Camp last night?