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Wilshere’s strength poses real problem for Wenger
Arsenal manager vows to protect talented teenager from burnout
ARSENE Wenger has vowed to use Jack Wilshere sparingly in a bid to protect the highly-rated teenager from burnout.
The 17-year-old pulled the strings in midfield on Tuesday as the Gunners progressed in the Carling Cup with a 2-0 win over West Brom at the Emirates Stadium.
The match wasn’t without its controversy, however, as ex-Arsenal trainee Jerome Thomas was sent off after 37 minutes for a clash with Wilshere.
Thomas was shown a straight red after he shoved the Arsenal youngster to the floor as the two tangled in a challenge.
The ensuing mêlée disappointed West Brom manager Roberto di Matteo, who criticised Wilshere for refusing to shake hands with Thomas afterwards.
It was the sort of incident that Wenger will want to protect Wilshere from, although it will be no easy task for the Arsenal manager with the youngster being touted for a place in England’s 2010 World Cup squad.
Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: “I believe last year Jack paid a little bit of a price physically for a very demanding start.
“This year we feel that he is strong, more mature, and I’m sure that he will show that.
“It’s difficult to treat young English players completely the same because you want to speed up a little bit their progress, but physically I will still treat him like anybody else because most people once they get to 19 years of age – they are overused.
“A big injury can always happen because you get overuse of the players.
“I believe you do not know what will happen throughout the season so, for Jack, the most objective target is to improve.”
One thing is for sure, fans can expect to see Wilshere again in the Carling Cup after Arsenal progressed in the competition.
Sanchez Watt scored his first senior goal as an Arsenal side featuring eight teenagers beat the Baggies.
Substitute Carlos Vela was also on target after he took full advantage of a mistake by Leon Barnett to tap in after Mark Randall’s chip came off the bar. |
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