Wilshere tipped for ‘Bergkamp role’, Blackwood’s mistakes continue

Arsene Wenger believes that Jack Wilshere will eventually end up playing in the ‘Dennis Bergkamp role’ . The 16 year-old played in that position regularly for the u-18s last season but recently has been playing on the wing for both the Reserves and the first-team.

“I believe he will end up a central midfielder, just off the striker in the Bergkamp role. I am convinced he will have tremendous penetrative power and we forget that this boy is only 16 and already has so much power – you give him four more years and he will be massively strong.

“He can find the final ball and can also score goals. He is a passionate and committed guy, he is not afraid of tackles and you would want this type of player to finish off central.”

Jack turns 17 on New Years Day and it will be a joy to watch him develop in the future.

At the other end of the spectrum, Anton Blackwood had a shocking performance when Arsenal u-18s lost 2-1 to Norwich on Saturday. The second-year scholar hesitated when under pressure and ended up heading the ball in the direction of an on-rushing Canaries striker who knocked the ball past Charlie Mann. To be fair, it was his first start for over two months but mistakes have been a regular feature of his game since signing in 2007. His scholarship runs out in the summer and it seems unlikely that he will be offered a pro deal at present.

More tomorrow.