Jack No Longer The Lad



Kids grow up so fast these days don't they?  None more so than our Spiky Jack.  Taking the bull by the horns last season, Jack transformed one starting opportunity into a season as Arsenal's most consistent midfielder, playing more games than any other Gunner including his midfield partner Alex Song.  So, I guess that it should be no surprise that this 19 year old fan-favorite is now developing his influence as a leader also.  A leader that is speaking out about what makes a good footballer a good man.  And according to quotes from The Sun, Jack says it's Loyalty.  Here's the meat of the matter according to Jack:

"Loyalty is a big part of football and it shows if you are a real man or not. If you are loyal, it means you are a real man.

Can I tell you what a breath of fresh air that statement is to fan? When players move for money or declare they need to go somewhere in order to obtain trophies (when in fact if they worked a little harder they would maybe have a shot to get them), it rankles a purist like myself.  I had a fit when the Olympics allowed professional athletes to compete.  I also happen to think that a player who is playing for something more than just a paycheck - love for the club for example- he will give more effort.  Loyalty and fidelity to their team can push an athlete to greater heights than money alone.  I truly believe that.   Jack is one of those players that may be driven more by his internal values than the external rewards, and his expectation is that others need to take a look at their motivation.

Now the papers have made much of his statement, singling out Cesc as the primary target of his comment.  Jack did mention Cesc but as an example of one who showed loyalty last year by staying at Arsenal.  Unlike the pundits, I think that Jack might have been speaking about Nasri, whose lack of taking proper ownership for his part in our end of season collapse plus his  refusal to sign a contract probably irks Jack more than the Cesc saga.    He adds:

"We have loyalty at Arsenal and players have shown that in the past. Cesc showed that last year and hopefully a few more players will show it this year.

I don't know who else he would be talking about besides Nasri...Bendtner?  I don't think so.  I think Samir blaming the club for the lack of trophies (while only scoring 18 goals in three years) and expecting either more money or  a move to a rival club probably has pushed Jack's buttons.  See, Jack's not just a player for Arsenal, he's a fan.  He thinks and acts like a Gooner at times which is probably one of the reasons we like him so much.   Anyway, Jack took exception to some of the headlines by the journalists and attempted to clear up any misdunderstandings via his Twitter account @JackWilshere.

Have not read any papers but just so we get it right i actually said 'cesc showed he is a real man by staying and being loyal last season'..

I also said he has been a great role model for me! So why would i tell him to 'man up'!? Get it correct please...


So there ya go.  All in all, we have a 19 year old telling players five years older than himself to show some integrity.  What can I say?  It makes me like him even more.

I guess that's it for today other than to say how much I enjoyed Wenger FINALLY calling out Xavi and correctly labeling him as disrespectful.  I'm sure Xavi will have some intelligent, witty response at the ready as we all know his pie-hole is open 24 hours a day.  I wonder what on-the-spot comment he'll make next? Who knows?  Maybe he'll just stick his tongue out at the Wenger dartboard he has in his mother's basement.

You all have a good night and I'll be back in a couple of days.