• Champions League

Wilshere has Spanish talent - Wenger

ESPN staff
February 18, 2011
Jack Wilshere has impressed both for club and country in recent weeks © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger has dealt something of a snub to the England academy system by claiming the country's brightest prospect has the technique of a Spaniard.

After impressing on his full England debut against Denmark last week, man-of-the-moment Jack Wilshere turned in another sterling display in Arsenal's stunning Champions League triumph over Barcelona at Emirates Stadium in midweek.

The 19-year-old lined up alongside Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas in central midfield and looked assured as he went toe-to-toe with Spanish maestros Iniesta and Xavi in the engine room.

His sparkling displays have not gone unnoticed, with Wenger heaping praise on the teenager and suggesting his talent is comparable with how Spaniards play the game.

"He has a Spanish technique certainly, yes," said Wenger. "He has an English heart because he's an English boy.

"He takes everything at the moment with a cool head, that's what I like. At his age you want to play and play again and show what you are. What I like as well is he isn't fazed by the occasion; he's not inhibited and just plays free off his chest which is fantastic."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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