Mikel Arteta has now provided an insight into the full extent of Jack Wilshere’s role at Arsenal.
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is currently the head coach of the under-18s side within the Hale End academy system, but his influence at the club extends beyond that.
Wilshere is a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, having emerged through the club’s youth setup himself before making a seismic impact on the first team squad as a teenager under Arsene Wenger.
The 34-cap former England international’s career was ultimately cut cruelly short following a series of injuries. However, he was still able to enjoy some magic moments with the North London club.
In total, the 32-year-old made 197 appearances for the Gunners, across all competitions, and won the FA Cup in 2014 and 2015.
Wilshere is now close to leaving Arsenal, as he is in talks to join the coaching staff at Norwich City, where he is due to work with the senior squad.
Mikel Arteta reveals Jack Wilshere involvement with Arsenal first team
Mikel Arteta and Wilshere were once teammates at the Emirates Stadium, and there is still a close bond between the pair.
The Spanish coach will understand that the Hale End coach needs to move on in order to progress his career.
Speaking about Wilshere in his recent press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, as quoted by the club’s official website, Arteta admitted that the academy manager has worked with the first team at times, too.
Arteta said: “Every time that we had academy players and he was involved he’s been great. In terms of supporting the first team, in terms of bringing ideas, in terms of collaborating in everything that we wanted. I know him, we played together and we have a really good relationship.”
“Every player is different and every nationality and culture that each one has is different, but Jack is very experienced because he’s played in the game for such a long time. You have to have that skill as well to connect with your teammates and coaches, and they’re all different as well, different ages, different backgrounds and nationalities, and I think that’s a big strength of his.”
Wilshere’s impact at Arsenal
A number of academy stars are close to making a breakthrough at Arsenal this season, with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly having caught the eye in particular.
Nwaneri may start against Shakhtar Donetsk, and Wilshere deserves credit for the role he will have played in helping to develop the 17-year-old into a player capable of starring at senior level.
Given he is such a young coach, and understands what it takes to make the grade at Arsenal, it is unsurprising that Wilshere has been able to make a positive impression upon the club’s youth contingent, and he will be missed behind the scenes if he completes his switch to Norwich.
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