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AFC Bournemouth: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Simon Francis of AFC Bournemouth attempts to score a header during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on August 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Patrik Lundin/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Simon Francis of AFC Bournemouth attempts to score a header during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on August 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Patrik Lundin/Getty Images) /
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WATFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on August 27, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on August 27, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

Hope #1: That Jack Wilshere can produce something. Anything.

Perhaps one of the most shocking moves of the summer transfer window was Arsenal sending Jack Wilshere off to Bournemouth on a season-long loan. The England international has long been considered one of the top young midfielders in the Premier League so at least on the surface it seems a little bit strange that he would be sent away from the Emirates for any period.

Injuries are a major reason for his dismissal. Since the 2013-2014 season Wilshere has played in just 19 Premier League matches. During that time he has suffered an array of leg injuries that have stymied his professional career and put into question whether he will ever truly live up to his potential.

So what can Wilshere bring to Bournemouth? The answer is a lot if his heart is in it. When he is healthy Wilshere is a game-changer, an expert passer who with a deadly first touch and really good field vision. But the Premier League has a lengthy history of players with immense potential putting a half-hearted effort after being placed on loan.

In the end,  it will be up to Wilshere what he makes of this loan. For Bournemouth this is a low risk-high reward situation where if he shows up and plays to his abilities then the Cherries should stay out of relegation. But even if he fails it is only on a loan so the club will not be burdened with a heavy contract.

Jack Wilshere has the chance to turn his career around and help AFC Bournemouth. It is up to him what he does with it.

Next: Hope #2: That Callum Wilson is fully healthy.

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