What happened to Jack Wilshere?

Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: theathletic.co...
📖 Tifo's new book, "How to Watch Football" is now available to pre-order internationally: linktr.ee/tifo...
At just 16 Jack Wilshere burst onto the scene, making his first-team debut for Arsenal. Domestic trophies followed, Champions League clashes, and starring for his nation at international tournaments.
But by 24 he had made his final England appearance, by 26 Arsenal had released him, and by 30 he had retired.
So what happened to Jack Wilshere? Seb Stafford-Bloor explains, Henry Cooke illustrates.
Follow Tifo Football:
Twitter: / tifofootball_
Facebook: / tifofootball
Instagram: / tifofootball_
Listen to the Tifo Football podcast:
The Athletic UK: bit.ly/TifoPodC...
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/TifoFootPod
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
Watch more Tifo Football: Tactics Explained: • Tactics Explained | Ti...
Finances & Laws: • Finances & Laws | Tifo...
Tifo Football Podcast: • Tifo Football Podcast
Most Recent Videos: • Most Recent Videos | T...
1 Popular Videos: • Popular Videos | Tifo ...
About Tifo Football:
Tifo loves football. We create In-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game.
We know there’s an appetite for thoughtful, intelligent content. For stuff that makes the complicated simple.
We provide analysis on the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, World Cup and more.
Our podcasts interview some of the game’s leading figures. And our editorial covers football with depth and insight.
Founded in 2017 and became a part of The Athletic in 2020. For business inquiries, reach out to [e-mail].
Music sourced from epidemicsound.com
Additional footage sourced from freestockfootagearchive.com
#Wilshere #Arsenal #AFC

[@akshyadulal1455]

Jack Wilshere was the Original Phil Foden.The technical ability and ball carrying was very non english like.I am a United fan but it was sad to see him struggle with injuries.

[@benishben4364]

Better than Foden, Wilshere dribbling and defensive positioning was underrated

[@kohikappu]

Nah, Wilshere was better that many would've thought he would suit playing for Barcelona. But then again, it's just a fairy tale at this point.

[@imconfused1237]

@@kohikappu Except, Barcelona release better technical players then Wilshere, every single year. That’s the point Pep was reminding everyone about.

[@Harry-mf6rq]

@@imconfused1237 The only thing Pep was reminding people about was that he was a sore loser who was unable to compliment an opposing player after a loss

[@imconfused1237]

@@Harry-mf6rq Have you seen Pep’s trophy cabinet? Give your head a wobble 😂

[@jeevakins2517]

That jack wilshere performance against Barcelona will remain one of the greatest footballing performances by an English player ever in the champions league

[@GeorgeLista]

*Scholes has left the chat*

[@jordanschlansky4093]

Gareth Bale has entered the chat.

[@10thwonder]

​@Jordan Schlansky He's also not English so he can exit the chat. 😂

[@Adskiii]

@@jordanschlansky4093 he’s Welsh

[@olufemiolumilua4689]

Absolutely

[@imrandoraney9893]

This reminds me of a FourFourTwo article I read around the time he tore up Barcelona that talked about how the England FA started focusing on technical ability over strength. There was quote that said something like "imagine the 2022 World Cup, where a group of technically gifted young English players captained by a 30 year old Jack Wilshire are going to play beautiful football and amaze the world." Always stuck with me

[@mukuldeshwal4773]

My heart goes out for him... What a talent he was!

[@omalone1169]

He is Phil Foden

[@r4hu1gunner]

Story of him is really something. Also a fairy tale ending, he is back with Arsenal working with under 18. Hopefully 1 day we can see him coaching the senior squad.

[@jimbojimbo6873]

Would hardly call that a fairytale

[@valeriudragalin8800]

@@jimbojimbo6873 well, the fairytales do not necessarily have very happy endings

[@MikeeyyP95]

I think the crucial thing looking back is that Jack just came too early English football. If he came through anytime from 2018 onwards when the FA started to drive towards more agile and technically gifted players and where players received more protection on the pitch, he might have had a more sustainable career. As an Arsenal supporter, I can't even begin to imagine how exciting a young Wilshere would be in the Arsenal squad today. He was the first player I watched come through the academy and he was truly a unique talent. Let's hope he can bring that into his coaching career! Super, super Jack!

[@raymanLENG]

pocketing the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets at just 19 years old, Wilshere was an absolute talent!

[@juanestebankruhsanmguel1960]

Pocketing? Barca had more possesion that game, in what way did he pocket them? Pocketing would be like if Arsenal dominated the ball and barca was forced to defend.

[@usxnews1834]

@@juanestebankruhsanmguel1960 Pocketing is a bit of an exaggeration, but a teenage Wilshere held his own and sometimes even got the better of three ATG midfielders - it really was an astonishing performance (from a Leicester City fan)

[@yupyuphaha]

@@juanestebankruhsanmguel1960 more possession does not equal winning the midfield battle. Wilshere nullified Barca's midfield creativity

[@juanestebankruhsanmguel1960]

@@yupyuphaha he didn't lol, it was a close Match where both teams had chances. Barca had 11 Shots while Arsenal had 13, in what World is that nulifying. Nulifying is what Heynckes did to Barca in 2013 in both games which Arsenal definitely didn't do.

[@wespicedmemes]

@@juanestebankruhsanmguel1960 yeah I watch the games back and Wilshere’s performance is definitely overrated.

[@subbed2xcal]

still scored one of the greatest goals of all time that no one could forget

[@phichau90]

Generational talent. Watching grow as a football was insane. Remember him at Bolton on loan. He had potential. When working under arsene he went on a whole different level. Sadly due to injuries after injuries.

[@imconfused1237]

Not really. Genuinely, not really. The reality is that he was a hype job who never made much of an impact at all. Of course he had the odd good game but those were the exception to the career of an otherwise very average midfielder. The Wilshere’s of the world are ten-a-penny in academies. That’s what Pep was reminding everyone about. It’s embarrassing to compare him to genuine “generational talent” who creates a true legacy. What’s Wilshere’s legacy? Mouthing off to refs whilst getting over run in midfield before being stretchered off with yet another injury. Yeah, truly generational 🤨

[@tyrellking6332]

Yet again the word generational is thrown around way to much.

[@otto_jk]

@@imconfused1237 being the best midfielder in a game against Barcelona who had Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets is already quite an achievement

[@paulj8803]

@@imconfused1237 Looks like you've got nothing better to do then spread hateful comments about Wilshere on just about every comment on this post. You strike me as someone who is enjoying your life.

[@taliamason7986]

@@otto_jk Not really. It just means he had one outstanding game. Many average players have those once or twice throughout their careers.

[@XzMattyxZ]

Loved him at Bolton, you could just see his potential and vision that few others had Both him and sturridge a level above and a crying shame we never saw them have full careers

[@jacobhuggins7572]

I remember when they were at Bolton.Good times,good times..Come back up Bolton

[@BigDome1]

Most talented player I've ever seen at Arsenal. I don't want to watch this video cause I know the whole story and it's sad. I pray he finds his way in management and achieves the success he deserved as a player. Players with 1/3 of his talent have gone on to do more, purely due to their good fortune.

[@Rybo4]

Part of being a top player is staying injury free. A lot of luck involved of course.

[@kungfukenny9300]

Man. I'm a Liverpool fan. But I'll always remember what he did that night against Barcelona. 19 years old. Against prime xavi and iniesta. Absolute class

[@k4mru7]

Would be nice if the video mentioned that he's back at Arsenal now working in the academy helping out the youth players.

[@davidlean1060]

I think Jack knows deep down he blew it by not working hard enough when things weren't working out for him. At least now he will be able to tell young players first hand that you only get one chance at footballing success. I think his experience will prove valuble to many youth players who assume the world is at their feet.

[@simonh1791]

Will never forget his performance vs barcelona, he was brilliant, consistently good performer for england aswell at a time when others around him really werent at such a young age aswell. Generational talent plagued by ill fortune. Liverpool fan wishing him all the best for the future

[@gentleken7864]

It's weird, I always remember hearing first about Wilshere, the same time as Aaron Ramsey. I remember they played Sheff United in the league cup in 2008, I think, which Arsenal won 6-0. I remember the build up was about Wilshere, but Ramsey seemed to me to be the better player in that game, even though Wilshere scored. Ramsey was playing on the right of the midfield and got a couple of assists. Vague memories.

[@brownmoney27]

That's not weird

[@mbammy6457]

Wilshire played with his heart on his sleeve which endeared him to many football fans. It's so saddening he couldn't kick on with because of injuries. I remember that Barca game where he skipped and shimmied past tackles and sent a heat-seaking missile pass to Nasri before he found Arshavin to score. Sensational player he was.

[@paulj8803]

Albeit a career blighted by injuries, he did enough to earn himself legend status at Arsenal. The skill, the bravery, the heart, the FA cup win antics. He's one of our own..

[@imconfused1237]

He’s a West Ham fan mate 🤨

[@bluecrasher7710]

Not sure he's an Arsenal legend...

[@paulj8803]

@@imconfused1237 Do you think Harry Kane is still an Arsenal fan? No is the Answer.

[@imconfused1237]

@@paulj8803 He is. The Kane’s have a box at Emirates.

[@Journey22405]

@@imconfused1237 you can support another club and still be a legend at a different club. The two are not mutually exclusive.

[@Joy_49]

Hurts my heart to watch this💔. So many players we lost because of horrible English referees. Diaby, ramsey, cazorla, eduardo, reyes and more. This list should’ve never been this big.

[@koalaorange.]

All great talents that were unfortunately ruined, but it's Cazorla for me that's the worse. What a fantastic player, great with both feet, outstanding vision and could make a game play at his speed. I know he made somewhat of a revival back in la liga but never to the same levels I don't think

[@finnmoran]

Next up Bukayo Saka

[@sigfigronath]

@@finnmoran Saka is very strong but have to see, ESR and Nelson is up there

[@SB-iq9dq]

Man’s blaming it on refs dkm

[@Yorkshireman5]

Grow up its sport injuries happen. Arsenal fans really are soft.

[@afanwithagun]

I almost shed a tear watching this.. I'm very sad for him..

[@sbonfiglioli]

I was at the Emirates that night against Barcelona. It was an absolute masterclass. Wilshere dominated the midfield. Every time he got the ball there seemed to be 3 Barça players harassing him in a split second, but he always managed to get his way out of trouble with calm and poise. I was sure I was watching the future of English football. Heartbreaking that it was not to be.

[@Pebble_Collector]

Jack's story always makes me sad. What a talent he was. My favourite Arsenal players from the previous decade, despite the injuries. Getting to watch him play was always a joy.

[@ApocalypticRenegade]

As a Scotsman and someone who doesn't care either way about Arsenal, I always find it strange people forget how good Wilshere really was. When you saw him playing he really did look like a midfielder who could have been up there with the best in the world. Damn shame what happened to him, one of the great what if careers in football.

[@onelove101unity]

I'm not sure people forget, there was a lot of hate and jealousy around Jack, a lot of people just deny how good he was.

[@IKEIVERSON]

@@onelove101unity This 1000%

[@samuraibri]

That goal vs. Norwich will stand the test of time as one of the best we have ever seen.

[@deanbrown29]

Well gutted for him, he was absolutely class

[@condescending28]

He scored the greatest team Goal I have ever seen in Football vs. Norwich City F.C. Loved him as a Player. Just sucks his career was full of injuries. But he played with pure passion and dedication to the Fans and his teammates.

[@stevendchu]

What's not mentioned in this video is that he also made a few questionable career choices. In 2016, he could've gone on loan to many bigger sides in Europe, but chose Bournemouth. In 2018, after his first decent season in years, he chose to leave Arsenal instead of accepting reduced minutes. Then he chose to go to West Ham, a side that were never going to let him showcase his best abilities. Again, instead of going abroad. I've always felt his body couldn't handle the physical intensity of the PL, and in a slower more technical league, like say Serie A or La Liga, he could've rediscovered his game while slowly regaining the fitness he sorely needed.

[@ConordeSmith]

A loan to a bigger European side might have meant reduced minutes, though, when the purpose of the loan was to get him fit again! Plus, I think it's fair for a player to want more minutes so I wouldn't say his move away from Arsenal is questionable either, although I do agree about the poor choice of club

[@richarda3514]

No ambition happy to float around English clubs. Typically English

[@Blau-grana]

My dad told me about him, i was to young to remember. He was watching barca play against arsenal and always said how he admired him, a real special player.

[@jordanjames9781]

Jack Wilshire can be a role model for all of us. To have the mental strength to push through injury after injury in the hope of better days must have been incredibly challenging on his mental health. Such a shame for such a talent to have had that much misfortune, but at least he can hold his head high for what he achieved in his cut short career :)

[@ghostdog_ninja]

He was amazing and I won't never forget his style and character.

[@TheoneandonlyArg]

He was one of my favourite players growing up I still remember that pre sesson game against new York red bulls where he got that first injury which made his career snowball. Just wish he never played that match imagine what he could've been 😩

[@corroded]

I predict in about four years time we'll have one of these videos about Dele too. I'm really quite curious to understand what happened with him. Went from a goal scoring prodigy, by far the record holder for a young midfielder, you know providing an assist to get Spurs into the CL Final to a couple of years later becoming a totally different player, losing basically every ability he had.

[@fplgregfrost]

Dele Alli is the most laid back person ever. He doesn't care that he's not maximising himself, he's just enjoying his life and fair play to him. Sometimes you shouldn't be judged for being the happiest you can be over social pressures and those of your peers.

[@iqld]

The besikstas coach doesn’t play him because he’s not efficient

[@corroded]

@@fplgregfrost Maybe true, but I see a David Bentley future for him. I'm not saying it's not right for him if that's what he's truly enjoying ... if something like Besiktas doesn't work out for him, where does he go next? This could be a League One to CL and back speed run record.

[@el-youtub3r402]

Deles problem isn't injuries, his mentality is weak.

[@stevendchu]

The difference is Dele fundementally does not have a complete game. He plays a second striker role that most top teams cannot acomodate. He scored a lot in his first couple of years because he had: Kane up top for CBs to worry about Eriksen feeding him and taking away DMs attention Dembele behind him to clean up when he lost the ball from his flicks With Kane becoming more of a playmaker and feeding Sonny on the counter under Mourinho, Dele really didn't fit into the side and ofc injuries + lack of effort doomed him.

[@JohnstersInc]

Can’t sum it up better than this. And not just at arsenal. In the run up to the euros, it was something like 9 of the 10 matches in qualifying he was motm. He could control games like carrick or drive the team like gerrard. Injuries were the killer

[@TheGabrielLee]

Thank you for making this, TIFO. Being the same age as Jack, and having also suffered various setbacks in my career due to external issues, he is and forever will be my favourite footballer. ✌️🤝

[@moeo2463]

Arsenal fan…and born in ‘92 too. Knowing he was born on the first day of our birth year made him somewhat noteworthy to me.

[@Ohfishyfishyfish]

Flashback to wincing every time Wilshere left his foot in just a little too long to juke the defender at the last possible moment. What was impressive during Wilshere's career disintegration was that he seemed to come back from each injury setback better than before. He was able to develop and mature as a footballer off the field and think through how he can get better each time. Maybe that's the sign of a player who'll become a good coach. He would share a backstory with Brian clough, another player whose career was ended in his 20 through injury.

[@jikkh2x]

His dribbling style was based on having somewhat heavy touches that baited opponents into committing tackles. He was good at creating those duels that were 60-40 in his favour, but getting to the ball first doesn’t mean you’ll escape a whack…

[@TheCulturalBomb]

One of my all time live game performances, genuinely stole the show that evening. He also had a brilliant game Vs Brazil, can't remember home or away.

[@its_rick_james_bich2575]

I always looked up to Wilshere and saw him as an inspiration. I began smoking because of him and it changed my life..👍🏽🙂

[@sfisozonke865]

Watching this after seeing a clip on Talksport about Dele Alli. Alli's career is a more curious one because while Wilshire was hammered by injuries, Alli just seems to have lost something which he can't quite seem to get back. A special player he could've been.

[@pnehru8361]

Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Eduardo, Santi Cazorla their stories always break my heart.

[@gerardoarias7907]

Honestly when I was really getting into football jack wilshere was the first arsenal player I loved then I delved deep into the arsenal rabbit hole and fell in love with the club.

[@chongillespie]

The same as what's going to happen to Saka if the refs can't figure out how to protect players

[@M4NA5]

Bingo. Just said the same thing.

[@bibekkoirala352]

saka? lol isn't even better than foden

[@alansouthall8221]

Saka is weak sauce, mentally and physically. Arsenal produce fragile players

[@Squidward-jv7go]

@@bibekkoirala352 No one was even talking about Foden

[@imconfused1237]

Saka needs to figure out how to stop diving

[@raypeakes4600]

There is a great video of a very young Jack man handling men in a reserve game for Arsenal. Great great player.

[@wills.1978]

His burst of speed on the ball was incredible

[@didingvalte3808]

This guy was something precious.

[@someguyfromarcticfreezer6854]

Now he is a football coach for Arsenal FC U18, not bad for a 29-year-old. I hope one day he will be a manager for Arsenal, we love his playing style, I hope one day he will carry his style of play to the team.

[@gabrielalohan728]

"talent and bad luck intertwined" sums it up. The sad reality of life at times.

[@LuisFigo4]

Will always love Jack

[@bluecocacola]

As an Arsenal fan, it always pains me to see his career go down like this. He was my idol growing up

[@maroofali2142]

I'm a United fan and I saw him playing when he was on loan at Bolton...and I was like this guy is something else... would've loved to see him as Scholes' replacement in midfield. So sad the way it went for him.

[@coleymissions]

I full on cried when he scored against Chelsea under Unai Emery.

[@mfundonkosi6927]

Respect Jack! ♥️

[@danpreston564]

I think Jack was the most exciting English player since Gazza. He could drift by players so effortlessly. So sad.

[@Keleu]

I believe not all players are made or have the body to do this everyday at a top level. He is that person who achieved something as special as growing up and playing for the club he supports since being a child. He got there because of his great quality and the ability to excel under pressure. Memorable performances.

[@obiekeledo8903]

testament to class is permanent. He will never be forgotten. Arsenal Legend.

[@wnd9434]

I always know Jack wilshere. But what make me remember him right now, if media say Jack Grealish i will always remember Jack wilshere.

[@Red__Law]

Remember ITV interviewing him before an England game early in his career and he was asked a ridiculous question along the lines of "how does it feel to be England's next big star player". Had a bad feeling ever since he was asked that, because once again the English media were putting the pressure of the world on a young player's shoulders.

[@runswithcows]

legend totally fearless.

[@maj8668]

His performance against Barcelona in the 10/11 season at Emirates shows how well he actually is. A young boy goes against prime Xavi, Iniesta and Busquet.

[@Manoj17Patankar]

lets hope he can be a great coach going forward, he's the U18 coach at Arsenal's academy rn.. Im sure having someone like him must be a great inspiration for young kids to look up to an perform for

[@salamandress]

I'm just glad that he's forever imprinted on our memory for scoring the most beautiful team goal in football history.

[@Titot182]

Even as a gooner, I'd always refer to him as Jack Wheelchair. Those impeccable MOTD goal of the seasons, 2 years on the trot

[@rasmush6884]

Greatest talent never fulfilled...

[@PapaLeon2579]

Saw him in 2008 Emirates Cup against Real Madrid. Came on with 15 mins to go and made a great impression. Beat Salgado like he wasn't there.

[@numanuma66]

the best part of staying up late is seeing tifo just uploaded at 3am

[@BQsport]

What a player he was before his injury crisis. some players you think what they would have been if not for injuries

[@jikkh2x]

Wilshere’s first major injury has never been properly explained. I remember watching the game, he just randomly limped off the pitch not to be seen again for over a year. After that he was doomed. You simply don’t sit on your backside for 15 months and then recondition your body back up to the demands of top level pro football.

[@guap-papi]

It always broke my heart seeing him not reach the heights I thought he would. It was exciting to see Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere on the rise at the same time.

[@davidlean1060]

It's easy to feel sorry for him, but as well as the talent, there was a sense of entitlement to him. Being told he was great from an early age led to complaceny and when he needed some grit to get going after injuries, he didn't have it. Having said that, I think his experience will help so many young players as he joins the Arsenal youth set up. I'm sure in their ranks there are dozens of entitled kids who think they are on their way to a pro contract, but he will be there to remind them that talent is useless without hard work. I wish him all the best.

[@bibubabobi9190]

I remember getting frustrated but mostly worried with his tendency to bait tackle in unnecessary situation. He would delay,holding up the ball and invite oppo to tackle..then just before the opponent kick the ball..he would nick it or pass it and won a foul. It was daring and good demonstration of awareness and anticipation but risky and totally not worth it. The miss timed tackle would lways hit his ankle. He should just release the ball and contribute in other phase of play instead of toying with oppenent winning foul at non critical area.

[@kerrymandanny8135]

I remember always signing him for my teams in fifa carrer mode.

[@yusufcengiz6677]

No matter what happened, he will always be remembered as a legend💯🔴⚪️

[@afcsabin]

he is no legend

[@imconfused1237]

A West Ham fan as a legend 🤨

[@bobo_1803]

Not sure he can be considered a legend but cult hero certainly

[@Iron-Bridge]

If the fates were kind, Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley would be England's new Lampard and Gerrard leading England to international glory. But I guess that's just Football Manager 😁

[@abanfrancis6400]

😂

[@southgooner86]

Fabregas had 250 games before 21. So underrated our El Captitan after Wilshere’s failure 😊

[@grahamr-oj3wf]

He was our little jewel 🇮🇪💯

[@TheMothdemon]

So happy he's back to Arsenal coaching the U-18 team, man's gonna help shape our future stars

[@corinisboring4480]

Always remember those goals vs Slovenia

[@Danifornia3]

That last thought can be said about Phil Jones too. Obviously, we don't know if he'd ever came close to a world class CB, but people forget he started life at united brilliantly. His style of play though meant he made tackles flying in, caring little about his own safety. I didn't mean to shift focus from Wilshire, but there are similarities there, at least in that aspect, and England sure could have used a CM with Jack's potential and a CB with that of Phil Jones.

[@sketchmanifest]

His playing style attracted injuries which he himself stated. Truly unexpected turns in his career for such an early matured player in his game

[@MrKevvo83]

I agree with the points about his playing style - I always felt he should have modelled some of his style around Paul Scholes' style. I wasn't a fan of him snapping into tackles all the time, and I ddin't think he had the physicality for that. He didn't pass that much and was always doing 1-2s and taking the ball forward. That being said, Arsenal at that time didn't have good coaching and wasn't winning games and didn't have good players across the pitch - and that definitely affected him as well.

[@Wellsiyz]

He was the best of English talent, Barcelona will testify to that

[@damienbrown6764]

He’s was such a good player it’s crazy that he’s retired already

[@youtubeenthussiast328]

The two goals he scored against Slovenia were incredible

[@apocreg11]

What a player, such a shame

[@MashBell]

He used to be the go to for many in FIFA back in the day. Had a great left foot.

[@edmundbloxam2714]

I think more of the speculation as to why he was injured so much would have been interesting. I know that Brazilian Ronaldo's injuries were caused by a growth spurt in youth with inadequate nutrition. Something in the knee was thus always tender.

[@lwandomadikizela2213]

Jack Wilshire is terribly unlucky with injuries. He was talented, very good on and off the ball and a future captain for Arsenal. Injuries not only halted his progress, it destroyed him to the point of he had to retire early.

[@sapuann]

One of the best talent 😢

[@sayawalter5718]

The real talent who are failed to shine because injury... i really love watch wilshere play on pitch, his ability and skill control ball was very briliant player... if he still could play i think he can be like xavi, iniesta cesc...

[@paullxulu3371]

I loved watching him. Not an arsenal fan I must say.

[@kevinjames5992]

Prime Wilshere was an absolute baller. 💯

[@NphiniT]

He never reached prime

[@brighttangsoglah6425]

He is the most talented English player I've ever seen imo

[@MzansiStoriesOfficial]

i remember his son said people used to mock him and say your father is Jack Wheelchair

[@broadybroadhurst5950]

Remember seeing him when he was 16, and thought he would be the best English player in decades, and our Zidane with the way he moved with the ball. Such a shame injuries and the refs and the FA not clamping down on the 'get into 'em' culture.

[@zijun01]

I would argue that the main problem was that his dribbling style was problematic for an injury-prone player. He would often show the ball to defenders to invite them to lunge in for a challenge, take the ball just before they got there and then skip away from the over-committed defender. That meant that he got plenty of knocks and kicks (and also the sudden twists and turns added to the strain).

[@fplgregfrost]

Yes, absolutely spot on.

[@fplgregfrost]

Grealish might get done this way.

[@reisssato902]

Haha, perfect timing for this video to come out, only to add to the fire of the saka debate 🔥 I see what you did here, sneek jerno tactics

[@asapoluu9885]

In his final arsenal season it seemed he had his spark back performing well and he wasn’t getting hurt then he was released

[@stevenorthwick2480]

I agree that the biggest single answer to the question is injuries. However I would say in my view Jack emerged at a time when we didn't have many good young players coming through and so he was pounced on as the next big thing.....I don't think he was ever quite as good as many people said.

[@Daftbugger]

Loved at Bournemouth, a great guy and a great player when playing, a career that was very cruel to him, I hope he finds success in whatever he does now

[@tjr2109]

And he's now a youth team manager at Arsenal.

[@JK_JK_JK_JK]

Next: What Happened to Freddy Adu and other former Wonder Kids from Championship Manager and Football Manager from the past that never quite made it!!! 👍

[@colek2470]

A great podcast to listen to about Freddy Adu’s rise and fall is “American Prodigy” by Grant Wahl !

[@fplgregfrost]

Daniel Braathen was my favourite player ever who wasn't quite as insane as he was on CM0304 HAHA

[@Taeerom]

@@fplgregfrost What is insane was that when he got back to Skeid, his boyhood club, in 2020, he was one of the best defenders at the club. During his last run of games, he played literally everywhere on the pitch, except in goal. Often as a wingback or central defender.

[@fplgregfrost]

@@Taeerom Legend

[@waveplay3978]

Let's not forget that other teams targeted him with rotational fouling because they couldn't get near him otherwise. The refs did not do their job properly (or were too biased against Arsenal), allowing opposition players to try and stop him violently and basically grind him down physically over time. But of course that is not how this is discussed. Instead everybody just calls him "injury prone". These lessons have not been learned and I'm afraid we'll see something similar with Saka. The exact thing can be observed with him. Defenders basically kicking him out of the game since they can't live with his speed and dribbling ability. The refs almost purposefully overlooking the fouling on Saka, even booking HIM for "simulation". It's infuriating. It didn't help that Arsenal back in 2010/11 were so weakened in his breakthrough season that we had to rely on Jack for too many minutes of game time which was likely too much load on a young player who was just growing into his body at 19 years old.