There were probably a few surprised glances to see Jack Wilshere kept on the bench for the third game in a row last weekend. Rio Ferdinand for one was quick to say, Jack didn't come to Bournemouth just to sit on the bench, but the strength of the Cherries squad does not give Jack an automatic place when he himself is recovering from an ankle knock, and Eddie Howe is mindful that Jack has to be more careful than most when he needs to work his way back to full match fitness.
I do see that Jack has become very good for the team in coming on late in the second half when both West Ham and Swansea were pushing the Cherries back and the side was coming under pressure. He was a great release valve if you like, taking the ball back up the pitch and importantly, keeping hold of possession. That is his experience and talent being used to benefit the side, and while Jack might hope to play more minutes, when it comes to getting the best out of the team we have to remember that some of the other players have been together for a long time now. It's hard for Jack to pick up everything that Eddie Howe wants him to do immediately, and I think there is a good balance to the side at the moment and the opposition is made to think twice when they see Jack coming on late on in a game for Bournemouth.
At least with no England call up Jack can spend a bit more time with the Bournemouth squad and the more he likes being with his team-mates, the better I'm sure he will play with the Cherries.
Eddie Howe is among the six contenders for Manager of the Month - vote here!
Josh King and Artur Boruc are also in contention for Player of the Month - vote here!
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| Jack's not an automatic starter, especially when he has been carrying an injury. |
I am beginning to like some of the comments that Jack has been making about his fondness for the team at AFCB and his continued enjoyment of Dean Court and the opportunity he has been given. Jack certainly has not been outwardly moaning or saying anything about his absence from the starting line ups, and he would find it hard to argue about in in any case with the Cherries taking seven points out of their last nine available points.
I do see that Jack has become very good for the team in coming on late in the second half when both West Ham and Swansea were pushing the Cherries back and the side was coming under pressure. He was a great release valve if you like, taking the ball back up the pitch and importantly, keeping hold of possession. That is his experience and talent being used to benefit the side, and while Jack might hope to play more minutes, when it comes to getting the best out of the team we have to remember that some of the other players have been together for a long time now. It's hard for Jack to pick up everything that Eddie Howe wants him to do immediately, and I think there is a good balance to the side at the moment and the opposition is made to think twice when they see Jack coming on late on in a game for Bournemouth.
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The other point is that Jack will be eager to do his utmost to get back into the side and we have seen him raise his game in the last few sub appearances. At some point, I'm sure Eddie will give him another start, but the standards that are being set by Wilshere's team-mates is very high at the moment and the King-Afobe partnership is working well, so there should be no hurry to change things at this point.
At least with no England call up Jack can spend a bit more time with the Bournemouth squad and the more he likes being with his team-mates, the better I'm sure he will play with the Cherries.
Eddie Howe is among the six contenders for Manager of the Month - vote here!
Josh King and Artur Boruc are also in contention for Player of the Month - vote here!
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