Why West Ham must offer Jack Wilshere a contract extension
While speaking to NCF London Elites podcast (h/t Football London), West Ham United midfielder Jack Wilshere admitted that he has unfinished business at the club.
Having joined the club back in 2018 on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Arsenal, Wilshere has not had the career he had hoped for. His time at the London Stadium has been hampered by injuries, with the player spending most of his time on the sidelines than on the pitch.
He has made only 16 appearances for the East London club and is yet to feature for new boss David Moyes. Wilshere, who arrived from the Emirates at the beginning of last season, featured just nine times for the Hammers before sustaining an ankle injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season.
After having had a strong pre-season tour, starting in West Ham’s first two league games, tragedy struck once again for the 28-year-old midfielder. The Englishman featured just eight times for the Hammers across all competitions before a groin injury kept pushing him to the sidelines.
Having recovered from his injury, Wilshere is now raring to go with just one more year left on his West Ham contract. Being on the sidelines constantly seems to have frustrated the midfielder, who now wants to prove a point.
Wilshere can offer West Ham confidence in the middle
Meanwhile, West Ham are currently fighting for their survival in the Premier League, with the side just two spots ahead of the relegation zone. Lack of a consistent goal-scorer and creativity in the middle have hurt the Hammers badly this season.
They have managed just 35 goals in their 29 league outings and clearly need a shake-up if they are to climb the ladder next season. Meanwhile, injury to Wilshere had seen West Ham mostly deploy young talent Declan Rice and captain Mark Noble in the midfield.
Though Rice is considered as one of the top midfielders in the country due to his consistent displays, Noble has not had an entirely successful season. The veteran player has been far from impressive this season and will turn 33 this May.
A Hammers legend, Noble is way past is prime and West Ham could really do with some new options in the middle. Now that Wilshere is fit and running, Moyes will have an extra option to choose from. Moreover, West Ham does not have any more players to play in the middle with the side’s other two midfielders – Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini playing in a more advanced role.
Having played a total of 180 games in top-flight, Wilshere is a Premier League veteran and experienced campaigner, who can help West Ham succeed at least next season if given a chance.
Also, a two-time FA Cup winner, there is no questioning his talent. Hence, the Hammers should keep faith in Wilshere and offer the midfielder a new contract extension as it would boost his confidence and in turn, West Ham’s.
Read more:
- Why West Ham must land the talented Hirving Lozano for Felipe Anderson
- Why West Ham United should avoid signing Eric Dier
- Opinion: David Moyes should bring these two changes to prolong West Ham’s stay in the top-flight
Verdict
Wilshere has not had the opportunity to prove himself until now at West Ham. However, the Hammers clearly need an established face in the middle, with Noble almost on the verge of his final days. Moreover, he still has plenty of football left in him and could help improve West Ham’s performances under Moyes next season.
