Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere vows not to curb his feisty playing style

Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere is undeniably talented and is widely seen as one of the England national team’s top performers over the last year or so.  The midfielder has be awarded as the Man of the Match in multiple games while playing for his country during the 2014/15 season and also ran the show in England’s 2-1 victory against Brazil in February of 2013.

Wilshere is the type of player that other players want to play with, but is a thorn in the side of opponents.  Along with class, flair and skill, passion oozes out of the 5’7” midfielder.

Although few people are denying his technical ability, quite a few are questioning Wilshere’s perceived reckless style of play.  The England international has certainly had his fair share of injuries over the last few seasons.  The now 23-year-old missed 17 Premier League matches just this past campaign alone due to an ankle injury suffered during Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United back in November.

While missing matches due to ankle and knee issues was nothing new for Wilshere, as he was forced to sit on the sidelines for a grand total of 72 times during Premier League play over the last four seasons because of injuries, the midfielder has recently claimed that he will continue playing the game as he always has, with grit, heart and tenacity.

Speaking ahead of England’s clash with Slovenia, Wilshere stated that he thought about changing his playing style following a six month recovery earlier in the year, but ultimately could not make the adjustment.  “When I was injured I heard people saying I should change the way I played,” said Wilshere.  “I was thinking maybe they’re right, maybe I should change a bit, but as soon as I can back for my first game, naturally, I wanted to pick the ball up and run with it.”

“So I can’t change it.  I can work on a few things maybe.  You look at the best dribblers in the world like (Lionel) Messi and (Andres) Iniesta, and when they run with the ball the ball’s always close to them.  I can work on that, but I definitely won’t be changing my game.”

The talented midfielder also claimed that he is in great shape at the moment.  “My fitness levels are still on the way up,” said Wilshere.  “It’s important I stick to the program Arsenal have given me and the England team have given me and come back on July 10, ready to go, ready for a big season for me.”

Nevertheless, with his assertion that he will not change, Arsenal fans will surely be holding their breath whenever Wilshere sets foot on the pitch throughout the upcoming months.