Former Hammers attacker Craig Bellamy heaped praise on Jack Wilshere but shared he was concerned about the player’s injury record.
Bellamy, who made 24 appearances for the Hammers, shared that he believes the 26-year-old central midfielder is the type of player who will excite fans due to his style of play.
Wilshere was recruited by Manuel Pellegrini this summer following his contract expiring at Arsenal and he penned a three-year contract, as confirmed by the club’s site, upon joining the Hammers.
“Off the ball he isn’t great,” Bellamy told the Daily Star.
“But on the ball he can do something different, he can excite you. They’re players you like to watch.
“But like everyone, I’m always concerned with his injuries, I really feel for him.
“I think there must be a problem there somewhere and I’m petrified that West Ham don’t have a great record with injured players.
“Then it changes because if he’s fit he’ll be a brilliant player for West Ham.
“But my concern is him staying fit and being able to play for West Ham.”
OPINION
Bellamy had an injury ridden spell at the Hammers and seems understanding towards Wilshere’s plight regarding his injury problems. The Sky Sports pundit clearly rates the midfielder as he practically drools over what he will bring to the Hammers if fit. While Bellamy does refer to his fear regarding Wilshere being injury-prone it seems that in the pundit’s mind as long as the midfielder stays fit then the Hammers had done a fantastic bit of business by signing him. The midfielder’s injury record seems to be Bellamy’s only concern and hopefully Wilshere can stay fit in order to make pundits stop worrying about his fitness levels. The 26-year-old regularly featured for the Gunners last season, making 38 appearances for the senior side, and it’s quite possible that he has turned a corner when it comes to his injury woes. However people will only stop pointing out his potential tendency to get injured if he successfully appears at least 20 odd times for the Hammers in his debut season for the club.
