Why Rangers should grab the chance to sign free agent Jack Wilshere
According to Yorkshire Evening Post, Rangers have emerged as a likely destination for Jack Wilshere. The former Arsenal man has been a free agent ever since he mutually terminated his contract with West Ham at the start of the season. However, the likes of Watford and Aston Villa have also emerged as potential clubs he could join.
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Jack Wilshere joined Arsenal’s youth system at the age of nine back in 2001 after starting his development at Luton Town. The Englishman caught the eye across various youth levels for the Gunners before bursting onto the first-team picture during the 2008-09 campaign.
The 28-year-old established himself as a key cog in Arsenal’s midfield following a brief loan spell with Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League. Wilshere went on to make 198 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, registering 14 goals and 30 assists (source – Transfermarkt), while winning two FA Cup titles.
However, the latter part of his career in North London was ravaged by a series of injuries and while Wilshere partly redeemed himself during his loan spell at Bournemouth, the midfielder’s stint at Arsenal finally came to an end in 2018. West Ham recruited him after that but similar injury problems culminated in his release from the club this year.
A full international for England since 2010, Wilshere has accumulated 34 caps for his nation, representing the Three Lions at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016. However, he hasn’t featured for England in over four years, with his last outing coming in the last-16 defeat to Iceland in the 2016 European Championship.
Wilshere can add depth to Rangers’ midfield
It’s hard to believe that Jack Wilshere is without a club at the age of 28. Once touted to be the future of English football, it has been a steep fall for the former Arsenal man. People can’t really blame him as repeated injuries have taken a toll on him and he has never been the same since.
While Wilshere may not be able to strut around his stuff like old times, he still remains a decent player with bags of Premier League and Champions League experience. Rangers could use a player like Wilshere.
It’s rather puzzling that Rangers have just one creative midfielder in the form of Ianis Hagi. The likes of Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack, Bongani Zungu and Steven Davis are all suited to play deeper. That leaves a bit of a creative gap in the side.
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The addition of Wilshere would give them another option in that area. Wilshere was known for his intricate dribbling and quick passing. He can be used as a sporadic option, given his injury history. Rangers should take a chance on Wilshere as he could prove to be a useful player.