OPINION
To say West Ham’s capture of Jack Wilshere has not gone to plan might just be the biggest understatement of the Premier League season.
Five games is all the English midfielder has managed to appear in as injury once again plays havoc with his availability and with a wage of £100,000-a-week (source: Spotrac) he is a huge drain on the club’s resources.
While some might argue that it is too early to determine whether Wilshere can live up to expectations in east London, his lack of game time hardly his fault as problems plague him – as they have done throughout his career – there is just no way that the Hammers can afford to have a £100,000-a-week passenger as part of their squad.
Manuel Pellegrini will no doubt be keeping a close eye on his performances in training but the proof is in the pudding out on the pitch – which is why his update on his fitness is so crucial.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I am trying to get fit [but] it is not a great time to come back because you get fully fit, maybe play a couple of games and then the season finishes.
“It is going to be a big off-season for me as well but I am feeling good and I want to play again this [season]. We are playing better football and we have brought in good players so I am looking forward to getting back in there with the boys.”
Quite frankly, Wilshere has got to play competitively again this season and prove that he can fit into this side if he wants to secure his future at the club – otherwise there will be huge question marks hanging over his head into the summer.
This is not to say he will definitely be shipped off a year after joining but he has got to do everything he can to force his way into the manager’s plans if he wants to cement a place in the squad.
Right now he is looking like an expensive waste of space – that has got to change.
