Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere says his game has matured over the past year.

Wilshere insists he values his time away on-loan with Bournemouth.

“Obviously, I heard the boss speak about it, but I feel like it comes with age," he said. “I picked up a lot of injuries over the years. When I used to watch my game, every time I picked the ball up I wanted to run with it, I wanted to hurt the opposition, but now I can pick my times.

“I don't have to do it every time. Sometimes you can just pass and move into a better position. My time at Bournemouth helped me. I improved defensively, I'm not one who just dives into tackles now. I try and pick my opportunities when the ball breaks. I feel good, I'm happy with the way things are going and I'm enjoying playing here.

“I only had a few days to pick between three or four clubs, and as soon as I spoke to Eddie [Howe] and Jason [Tindale], his assistant, it was clear to me that was the right place to go.

“It was totally different to here at Arsenal, of course. The aim at the start of the season was to stay in the League. I have never been in a position like that, so it was new to me.

“I felt I improved massively defensively, I had to learn a lot out of possession. A team like Bournemouth against the big teams would try and sit in and hit them on the break, so I learned that side of the game."