Jack Wilshere is ready for further game time after his latest “sharp and incisive” display for Arsenal, says Arsene Wenger.
The England midfielder was the star performer in Arsenal’s 6-0 win over BATE Borisov, scoring one goal, assisting another and making five key passes as he thrived in the central playmaking role in Arsene Wenger’s 4-2-3-1 system.
Wilshere’s goal was his first in an Arsenal shirt in 928 days and a timely reminder of his quality as he deftly shuffled past the defence before hammering a left-footed drive into the roof of the net.
Wenger once more praised the 25-year-old’s “dominant” display, saying: “Jack’s moving forward and you could see tonight that he is really ready now to play.
“He’s sharp, he’s quick, he’s incisive. His game is his dribble.
“Technically he was very good tonight for 70 minutes in the game. He was dominant in midfield, on the creative side. That’s very good news for us.”
Despite a run of consistent performances in both Europe and the EFL Cup Wilshere has not earned a place in Wenger’s strongest XI for the Premier League, where he has been confined to just 65 minutes of football off the bench.
Speaking to Standard Sport last month Wilshere made no secret of his desire for greater opportunities in the Arsenal side as he battles to earn a new contract at his boyhood club. His current terms at the Emirates are due to expire at the end of the season, with talks over an extension scheduled for later this month.
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