10 Reasons Why Jack Wilshere's Return Will Win Arsenal Trophies in 2012

When Arsenal sold both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri last summer it looked like Jack Wilshere would be the player to step up and take responsibility in their midfield. Unfortunately for both the player and the club, he suffered an injury before the season started, and he probably won't return to first-team action until some time in February.

When Wilshere returns there will be an awful lot of expectations on his shoulders, as Arsenal will be hoping to still be challenging for two or three trophies at that stage. I'll attempt to predict what his return could bring to the Arsenal team, and how it might help them to glory in this article.

1. "Like a New Signing"

It's been said so many times by so many clubs about players when they return from injury, but I think it might genuinely be true about Wilshere. He should return to the team just as the knockout stages of the Champions League are getting underway, and that will be a welcome boost to the team. The FA Cup should be at the fifth-round stage by that time, and it's a trophy Arsenal must surely have a real chance of winning.

There is real possibility of Arsenal spending some of the large transfer kitty they didn't use last summer, and Wilshere's return would be welcome on top of any new players.

2. The Driving Force in Midfield

I have often thought this season that Arsenal's midfield has lacked some of the flair of previous seasons, and hopefully Wilshere can be the player to produce that. He was not their most creative player last season, as Cesc was the main man at Arsenal. However, Wilshere has the ability to take on the mantle of playmaker, or any other role he wants to.

3. Goals From Midfield

Arsenal's midfielders aren't producing an awful lot of goals between them, and I think Wilshere can be the man to change that statistic too. He scored some wonderful goals in his underage career at Arsenal, and given the chance I think his goal-scoring form will return. He should get the chance to play in a more advanced role with Cesc gone, and once he settles into that role I think the goals will follow.

4. Leadership

Arsenal have been accused of a lack of leadership at times in the past, but Wilshere isn't afraid to take control when he is on the field. He is a very vocal player despite his relative youth, and he backs up his words with real actions too. The team has more experience and leadership already this season, but there is still room for Wilshere to leave his mark on the team.

5. Real Competition

At the moment Arsenal's midfield trio virtually picks itself, but the return of Wilshere would offer some genuine competition in that part of the team. Abu Diaby would have been expected to have competed for a place too, but his continued absence through injury has been a blow to the team. Tomas Rosicky has only played a bit part so far this season, and it has meant Mikael Arteta and Aaron Ramsey have been guaranteed their places.

Wilshere is capable of playing instead of either of those players, and they will have to step up their game to try to keep their places. The chances are that Wilshere will be the first choice, and the other two will have to fight for one place.

6. Love For The Club

There is no doubting how Wilshere feels for Arsenal, and his return will help the fans to feel there is one of them out on the pitch. It's a connection which helps to get the fans behind the team at important times, and it could be just what the team needs in important home games. The support of the Arsenal away fans is magnificent, but anything which improves the home support would be a great bonus.

7. Assists for Arsenal's Attackers

Wilshere has shown his eye for a pass in the past, and his return to the team will surely offer more scoring chances to the attacking players. At the moment it's Arsenal's wide players who are providing the majority of the assists for the team, but I think Wilshere can add his fair share of assists too. Since Cesc left the responsibility for creating chances has to be spread around the team, and Wilshere is certainly capable of creating his share of chances. 

8. Team Rotation

Due to the injury to Wilshere and that of Diaby too, Arsenal have been very limited in their midfield options so far this season. Rosicky has come in at times, and Andrey Arshavin has even played in behind the main striker. With Wilshere available again, Wenger will be able to rest players when they need it, and that could be of great advantage to the team.

The greatest advantage Manchester City have over the rest of the Premier League is the quality in depth of their squad. It has meant that players have been rested when they have had a slight knock, and have not gone on to develop longer-term injuries at times. If Arsenal can introduce a little bit of that rotation, it might just help their cause.

9. Never-Say-Die Spirit

Wilshere is acutely aware that others have been stepping up to the plate in his absence and looking to make their place in the team permanent. He will be chomping at the bit to show that he's the man to take control in Arsenal's midfield. Before his injury he looked to have cemented a place in the English team, and he will be looking to win that place back too.

He has found himself in trouble with referees occasionally, as he has tried too hard to do what is required of him. It's not that he's a dirty player, but he hates to make a mistake and he tries too hard to rectify mistakes at times. When channeled properly, that attitude will be a great asset to Arsenal.

10. Winning Attitude

There is no doubting Wilshere's winning mentality, and his determination to be a success at the club he loves. He grabbed his chance to get into the Arsenal team when it came along, and he did the same with the England team too.

He is obviously so delighted when Arsenal win, and when they lose he cannot hide his disappointment. He wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to Arsenal, and he will do all he can to ensure Arsenal win. I have no doubt that he will be anxious to make an immediate impression as soon as he returns.

Realistically Arsenal's best chance of a trophy is in the FA Cup, and Wilshere should be available for the later stages of that competition. He should also be available to play against AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League, and to help Arsenal in their fight to finish in the top four in the Premier League.

I'm really looking forward to his return to the team, and I can't wait to see what impact he has when he returns.

That's it for today.

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