West Ham United star Jack Wilshere says he has been boosted after receiving backing from David Moyes.
Read: Club president’s comments surely put talk of West Ham move to bed once and for all
Wilshere has barely featured for West Ham since signing back in the summer of 2018.
Like much of his career, Wilshere’s time at his boyhood club has been plagued by injuries.
Even the player himself admitted recently that the move has not worked out so far (Stadium Astro).
But when football was shutdown it not only gave Wilshere a chance to get fit for the run-in, but also potentially become a central figure in West Ham’s survival.
Moyes searching for key to unlock Haller
Moyes, like Manuel Pellegrini before him, has been desperately searching for the key to unlock the potential of record £45million signing Sebastien Haller.
The powerful Frenchman has been on fire for the last three seasons.
And he looked set to continue his streak after scoring three goals in his first three games for West Ham.
He has added just four more in the 26 matches since, though.
Partnering Haller with Michail Antonio has looked the best bet so far. But even that has been hit and miss.
Wilshere boosted by manager’s backing
Moyes backed Manuel Lanzini – a key player for him during his first spell at West Ham – to the hilt when he returned to the club at the turn of the year.
But Lanzini’s lack of form, energy, confidence and desire has forced the Scot to try and find other solutions.
And it seems Wilshere could be his go-to man when the season resumes in less than two weeks.
“It’s nice to finally get in front of the manager,” Wilshere told whufc.com.
“When he first came, I had a few conversations with him and I got the feeling from him that he rated me, but I was still six weeks away from being able to get in front of him and show him what I can do.
“That’s all good in training, but really and truly you want to be doing it in games and earning his trust. It’s a good start for me to get back in training and in front of the manager and his coaching staff and show them what I can do.
“I know he’s been around for years and I’ve been around for years, so he sort of has an idea, but he’s never worked with me so it’s important I show him what I’m about, how I train and what I can bring to the team…
‘I’ve got the hunger to be the best I can be’
“I wanted to give a good first impression to the manager. I know he would probably understand if I came back and was a bit rusty but you don’t want that in his head. You want to be sharp, you want to look like you’re fit and not look like you’re struggling.
“We did a lot of running when we came back and that was important. I knew that would be the case because this is pre-season and I didn’t want to be coming last. I wanted to be up the top showing him I’ve got the hunger to be the best I can be.”
Moyes also namechecked Wilshere when talking about how his options have been boosted by the return of several injured players.
If Wilshere can stay fit he could yet have a massive impact at West Ham just when it matters most.
He is one of the few players who operates on a truly top class level in terms of passing, decision making and game intelligence.
That can only benefit Haller who has cut an isolated figure this season.
The striker has been starved of the kind of service he thrives on. Moyes will be hoping Wilshere can finally provide that.
Read: David Moyes confirms major boost for West Ham after 21-month wait
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