Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand bigged up Jack Wilshere from Arsenal training, as he posted about his ‘first few weeks’ as the U18’s coach on Instagram.
The former midfielder stated that ‘the lads have been top’ and he is enjoying his new role after hanging up his boots at the age of 30.
For the first half of last season, Wilshere was training with Arsenal, before he spent six months in Denmark playing for AGF.
From breaking through as a fresh-faced teenager to struggling to play for a top-tier team, it was a real struggle for Wilshere since those early days at the Emirates.
But now it’s his time to bring through that next star from Hale-End, with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe prime examples in the current team.
Former Manchester United defender, Ferdinand, posted in the comments section ‘Clipboard out already’, added with a laughing emoji and raised hands emoji, whilst Aston Villa boss, Steven Gerrard, simply posted first emojis to his former England teammate.
SAKA AND SMITH ROWE PATHING THE WAY
The duo were outstanding for Arsenal last season and if they are to secure Champions League football ahead of the new campaign, then they need those two to perform.
Saka scored 11 Premier League goals last season and he will be looking to hit double figures again, whilst his partner in crime needs to win his place back in the XI.
It could be argued that Gabriel Martinelli probably starts ahead of the Englishman against Crystal Palace, whilst he won’t get ahead of Martin Odegaard, who could be handed the captain’s role.
Either way, it just goes to show the depth in quality Mikel Arteta has to choose from and more new faces could yet be added before the window slams shut.
Perhaps another right-sided attacker is needed and another midfielder, but bit-part players probably need to depart first before any of that happens.
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