Now you might think that this would be one of Barcelona's superstars (take your pick from their starting XI), you might think it would be Cesc Fabregas, or one of Arsenal's goalscorers. But what if I was to tell you it was a 19 year-old kid who had the task of shackling a midfield including Xavi and Iniesta? A kid that was too shy to ask for Messi's shirt at the end of the game? What if I also told you he was English? Ridiculous, impossible, I can hear you say. Well, if you had watched this particular 19 year-old during this season or had heard of his immense talent, you might not be so surprised.
I am of course talking about Jack Wilshere. The boy hailed as the future of English football, and with good reason. He has been hailed as a potential world-class star since he first appeared in the Carling Cup as one of Wenger's 'young guns' (his performances this season justify Wenger's Carling Cup youth policy over the last few seasons. If he had not been given these early experiences of top level football, he might not have progressed as quickly as he did).
In the wake of Arsenal's win, both Fabregas and Wenger praised the 19 year-old. Fabregas stated, "he has Spanish technique, but English heart". This might just be the perfect template for a central midfield player. As Fabregas said, Wilshere has impeccable (or Spanish, it means basically the same thing) technique. This is something that is severely lacking in English football as strength and speed tend to be more valued commodities. This lack of technique was on show in the World Cup as England struggled to keep possession of the ball. I very much doubt that this will be so much of a problem once Wilshere has settled into his role of running the England midfield (a role he should enjoy for at least the next 10 years).
Rewind to the start of the season and Wilshere's current performances become even more remarkable. Before the season started Wenger was considering the possibility of sending Wilshere out on loan again. That notion seems inconceivable now as he is one of the first names on the team sheet for Arsenal. His value to the side may not be so easy to measure in statistics as he is rarely the man to finish off a move. His role is to protect the back four and to get the ball to Fabregas.
Arsenal have conceded an average of 0.8 goals a game when Wilshere has played and 1.5 goals a game when he hasn't, this would suggest he is doing a fine job defensively (although he does have a tendency to dive recklessly into tackles, this is one of the very few signs of his tender age). As for his other role, the amount of time Fabregas spends on the ball would suggest Wilshere is playing that part to perfection. He is the supporting actor to Fabregas' lead role and everybody knows a good movie needs a good supporting actor. The way Wilshere is going, he might even be starting to outdo the main man. There is no doubt about it, Wilshere has been key to Arsenal's performances this season. His rise to prominence has also given the squad more depth, something that will be essential during this busy fixture period.
For the last few years Wenger has had to endure endless questions about his trophy-less spell. His youth policy has been constantly criticised and even Arsenal's style of play has somehow come under the microscope. Wenger must be licking his lips and have a permanent beam on his face at the moment. Arsenal are one win away from their first trophy in 6 seasons and they are still very much in contention for the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. I must admit I am very intrigued by the possibility of an unprecedented quadruple. There is something very different about Arsenal this year. They have won games when they haven't played well and have shown experience and toughness in difficult situations. Yet they are still a very young and stylish side.
For the last few years Wenger has barracked on about how his young side will keep improving. Well they have. They have consistently improved over the last three seasons and could be on the cusp of something very special indeed. Even if they do not create history this season I would like to present you with a scary prospect.
Here is what I consider to be Arsenal's best XI at the current time; Szczesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny/Djourou, Clichy; Song, Wilshere; Nasri, Fabregas, Walcott; Van Persie. Sagna is the oldest at 28, Van Persie next at 27. Nobody else is over 25. In 5 years only Sagna and Van Persie will be over 30 and since neither rely on pace, both should still be playing at their highest level. The question is, just how good will this Arsenal side be in 5 years? A midfield comprising Nasri, Wilshere and Fabregas (assuming he doesn't leave for Barcelona) could be devastating.
With the likes of Wilshere in their ranks, one must wonder, is an Arsenal dynasty approaching on the horizon?
