Wilshere happy with Arsenal’s shift in formation
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been discussing how he’s settling into his side’s 3-4-3 formation.
Since the back end of last season, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been experimenting with the somewhat unorthodox formation following Antonio Conte’s success with it at Chelsea.
Wenger has seen his side produce some impressive performances using the system, and appears to be sticking with it in the opening stages of the campaign.
Wilshere has recently returned to full fitness and has impressed in his first two games of the season. He has already operated in various roles and, as quoted by the Daily Mail, spoke of his enjoyment of playing in the new formation.
I can play in the deeper midfield role, which I did against Doncaster, and then I went and played on the left. I say on the left, but the boss told me before the game that he wanted me to come inside, get in the pockets (of space). He didn’t want me to play as a left winger. It’s almost like a No 10 position if you like.
You can come into that position, and me and Theo (Walcott) were switching in the game. I’m enjoying both roles to be honest and looking forward to getting more minutes in both.
The enigmatic midfielder has suffered an injury-plagued career so far, and will hope he has turned a corner with his return to fitness now.
The boss decided to change the shape last year, it worked well and he’s stuck with it. We’ve improved defensively as a team. In that transition when we lose the ball, we want to win it back quickly, like the best Arsenal teams over the years.
The Invincibles were great at it because they’d lose the ball but then win it higher up and we’d be in a dangerous position.
Wilshere remains an option for England manager Gareth Southgate and will be looking to impress, with the 2018 World Cup following the conclusion of the Premier League season.