Jack Wilshere signed for the Hammers last summer, but in his debut campaign for the club, he made just eight Premier League appearances as a result of an injury-hit season, Transfermarkt. However, after taking part in the PL Asia Trophy, the ex-Arsenal man had some strong words ahead of the new season.
Speaking to Premier League productions, Wilshere claimed he was confident that the Hammers could finish above his former club Arsenal, citing wins over the Gunners, Manchester United and Tottenham, and saying that his side needs to focus more against the smaller teams.
Wilshere could be like a brand new player for the club this season. Just because he should be fit for the season it doesn’t give Manuel Pellegrini an excuse not to whip out the chequebook if he needs to, but with the ex-Arsenal man ready and raring to go for the season, his influence could be huge.
Against Newcastle in the third-place play-off of the PL Asia Trophy, Wilshere was one of West Ham’s stand out performers despite the result going against his side, but the Premier League season promises to be different as the Irons continue to get themselves ready for the start of the campaign.
With plenty of competition for places in West Ham’s midfield, Wilshere will have to be at the top of his game to stay in the side should he remain fit, but after seeing how well he’s performed in pre-season that shouldn’t be too much of a concern for the fans, who will want to see him alongside Declan Rice in the Premier League.
The ambition that the 27-year-old has shown in his comments is what the fans will want to see. Last season saw the Hammers miss out on a number of opportunities to go into 7th place, the elusive ‘best of the rest’ spot in the table, but now the aim is to scrap that and get into the European places in the Premier League table.
