Arsene Wenger believes in Jack Wilshere while Avram Grant hopeful of Mathew Upson
Arsenal long serving manager, Arsene Wenger believes that the youngster has what it takes to play for the English national side, but required the player to be patient about it.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder greatly impressed everyone during a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last season, where he made 14 appearances and scored 1 crucial goal. It was an impressive debut season for the player and now Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Wilshere would stay with the club in the coming season. Team mate Theo Walcott couldn’t feature in the 2010 FIFA World and both of these players would be looking to impress in order to play in the 2012 Euro. It is good news for all the youngsters as England Coach Fabio Capello is looking to inject some fresh blood into the national side. England was dubbed as the pre-World Cup favourites, but had a disappointing World Cup campaign. Capello would now be aiming to learn from his mistakes and stated that some new faces would be added to the squad.
Wenger therefore believes in Wilshere and he expects the player to make the cut one day. His teammate Walcott made the World Cup squad when he was just 17 years old and Arsene Wenger stated that Walcott hadn’t even played a single game in the English Premier League. Wilshere, therefore has all the makings of a great English player, and has his entire future in front of him. At the age of 18, the player looks strong, focused and athletic which is always a good sign.
While talking to the press, Wenger stated that in 2012, Wilshere will be 20 years old and therefore cannot rule out the possibility of Jack making it into the European Championship squad. The manager believed that Wilshere was stronger than what he was a year back and learned a lot in his time with the Bolton Wanderers. The manager confirmed that Jack would be part of his plans for the coming season and aims to play as a midfielder in some of the games. Wilshere however, needs to be patient and keep working hard towards his aim. The manager added that there were many great players in the midfield in England and Wilshere would have to work hard as there are no guaranteed positions in the international side.
Arsenal won the Emirates Cup on Sunday when they defeated Celtic 3-2. Goals from Carlos Vela, Samir Nasri and Bacary Sagna were enough to sink Celtic. Arsenal would be playing Liverpool in their opening match of the upcoming Premier League season starting on the 15th of August.
Moving on, West Ham United manager Avram Grant believes that Mathew Upson’s injury is not that serious and the player would be up and running within no time. The Hammers played Ipswich town in the pre-season friendly and the English international suffered a knock in the match. The player therefore had to be substituted as the defender couldn’t be risked further.
The player has been in phenomenal form over the years which earned him a spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Upson scored an amazing goal with his head, taking England to 2-1 against Germany. The German’s however proved too strong for the English and won the match 4-1. Upson has had some vast experience as he has played with Arsenal as well as Birmingham City. The manager however played down the player’s injury concern.
While talking to the club’s official website, Grant stated that he doesn’t think the injury is that serious but doesn’t want to risk his players. Avram believed that Upson would be okay but still wants the player to visit the medical department. The 31-year-old defender has made 111 appearances for the Hammer since joining in 2007 and has scored 4 goals. The manager would want the player to be fully ready and fit before the start of the new season, which is to begin on 14th August when West Ham United take on Aston Villa at Villa Park.
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