The majority of the back pages this week have been dedicated to one event coming this weekend, the 5 team fight for Premiership survival. However there have been two managers who have been discussing something other then the potential plight of Wigan, Wolves, Blackburn, Birmingham and Blackpool in the nations football columns.
Arsene Wenger and King Kenny Dalglish have been discussing the selections of a few of their key players to England's Under 21 squad that is set to take on their European challenge in Denmark this summer.
Before I continue those that know me will probably be able to guess what I'm about to say and to them I say this.
Although in years gone by I have been known to take the sort of stance towards Arsenal and Arsene Wenger that Alan Green has for the whole of the top four, this article has nothing to do with my dislike of the North Londoners. In fact this season my dislike has been overshadowed by a overwhelming admiration for the way the Gunners can play when at their best. The article instead has more to do with my dislike of the “golden era” that has hung over the heads of the England International squad like a bad smell and as a result has hampered the development and evolution of that side (especially the midfield that for too long waited for Gerrard and Lampard find a chemistry that never could materialise while players such as Scott Parker were left in the shadows).
As I said both Wenger and Dalglish have key members of their squads called up for the sumer tournament. Wenger's midfield mastermind Jack Wilshere will be making the trip while both Andy Carroll and Jay Spearing's participation in the tournament yet to be decided.
While Dalglish has welcomed the opportunity being given to his players, the chance to not only represent their country but also gain valuable big match experience being too good, in his mind, for his players to turn down.
Wenger on the other hand has become upset with the idea of his young prodigy being involved in the tournament. Speaking to the media mid week Wenger openly criticized the FA's decision to give Wilshere his call for duty.
"We have to accept and respect the choice, even if I think it is the wrong decision," the French manager said.
“[Jack Wilshere] is in the red for a while now and this can be a risk for his health. He knows that he is nearly at the end of his energy level but he is keen to do well. He has played nearly 50 games this year. To go to a tournament for me is a massive risk.
"I have not seen a player come back from a big tournament and play well before October."
I have no problem with Wenger being worried about the toll that an International Tournament will have on his young star. Wilshere is of course only 19 and at that age cannot be expected to be fully fit especially having played a 50 game season for the first time in his career.
However the class that Wilshere has shown over the past 12 months cannot be overlooked by Stuart Pierce and his selection team who are of course going out to Denmark to win a major Under-21 tournament. The experience the young Gunner has gained in both league and Champions League fixtures will be invaluable to both him and his team mates as the tournament continues and will allow Wilshere to take up a strong leadership role within the squad.
The opportunity to play at a competitive level in an England shirt will also aid Fabio Capello's job as England manager.
One excuse that has been used time and time again for not bringing in new faces into the England starting XI has been the lack of tournament and big game experience possessed by England's youth. With a Champions League campaign and a summer tournament under his belt there would be little doubt in many peoples mind that Wilshere (should he continue his current form) would be equipped to play a key role in the centre of England's midfield in a similar way that Xavi or Pirlo have done for Spain and Italy respectively.
There are positives for both England and Wilshere himself should he play a role in Denmark 2011 but these would be little concern to Wenger right now, a manager who maybe feeling under pressure after throwing away a title challenge this year and having a bare trophy cabinet for the last seven seasons.
However Wenger's young Gunners squad could also stand to gain from the summer antics of the Arsenal number 19. Arsenal have one of the youngest squads in the English Premiership and have done year after year. This has given Wenger to mould players into what he needs them to be at an early age and has given the football his side play an incredible tempo created by some very gifted athletes. However Wenger's men have also been accused on occasion of lacking the mental ability to finish off a season. This has been a criticism of his 2010/11 squad and their disappointing final charge to the end of the season.
Despite the possibility of a tired or injured Wilshere, a situation that could force the youngster to miss the early part of the League campaign, the looming departure of Fabregas (we all look forward to another summer of will he, won't he) means that the Arsenal midfield will be looking for a new leader in the centre of the park, especially in the final 10 weeks of the season. Wilshere again could be someone to take on that role. His fight and drive in the centre of the park reflects a similar attitude to the midfield battle as Player of the Year Scott Parker has shown this season. To have that sort of attitude in a 19 year olds body would be a valuable asset to any side, especially one that needs to learn not to fall at the final hurdle as Arsenal have done in previous years.
It's easy to see where Wenger's complaints are coming from. A nasty knock or tired legs could hamper the start to Arsenal's season and over working the 19 year is clear and present danger. But the positives for both club country and player (in my opinion) outweigh the negatives.
Will Wenger change his mind?
"I'm happy if the U21s do very well, because I want him to do very well, but I still think it is not the right decision."
Unlikely.
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