re: Arsenal 2012/2013 Season Long Thread

quote:

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“I think he’s got the potential to become one of the best in the world. I don’t want to add any pressure. That’s unfair. But playing against him recently and in training, he’s a one-off. He’s a lot better than your normal Premier League midfielder. I have a lot of confidence in him. He’s got a bit of everything, he can tackle, get up and down the pitch, create a goal, score a goal, can pass. He can tick almost every box, and he’s going to get better and better. He’s only 21 and a fantastic talent. We’re all delighted he’s back and happy to play with him. I hope he brings out the best in all of us. He’s a top player and I hope he gives the dressing room a lift. We need competition for places if we’re going to get to Brazil. All over the pitch, there’s good competition for places. He’s been frustrated at the amount of football he’s missed. There’s nothing worse than missing a year of football. He wants to make up for lost time. You have to give credit to his club manager as well, and he’ll come back to top form. And he’ll get better, and better than he is now. Which is a scary thought. He looks as if he can cope with the pressure. You’ve still got the likes of Rooney, Lampard and Cole, other top players in the group, and we’ll share the responsibility out. It’s up to us to put our arms round him and make sure you lot don’t put too much pressure on him.” – Steven Gerrard on Jack Wilshere.

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