Cesc Fabregas Perfect Role-Model for Jack Wilshere

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed how he looks up to team-mate Cesc Fabregas and how he aims to follow his captain’s lead.

The 18-year-old has already made an impression for the Gunners this season and earned his first senior cap for England last month in a friendly against Hungary.

And Wilshere admits he has taken tips from Arsenal captain Fabregas, who won the World Cup with Spain in the summer.

“Watching Cesc when he was younger and I was younger was the perfect opportunity to learn from him,” said Wilshere according to The Guardian.

“Around the training ground he is helpful and when he is on the pitch he is telling me things to do. He tells me that I am not going to play every week, like he did, and that I have got to break through slowly and then get hopefully get in [to the team permanently].”

Wilshere was sent on a loan spell at Bolton last season, which proved to be helpful for the Hertfordshire born player.

“I think I had to go out on loan last year because there are world-class players at Arsenal and I had to get some games. I came back more experienced and stronger, and if you play regularly it makes it it easier for you,” he explained.

“Playing for England was brilliant, a nice experience, and hopefully I can get some more games but at the moment I am just trying to concentrate on playing in the Arsenal first team.

“Sometimes I just had to pinch myself sitting in the changing room next to Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. I was just happy to get on [as a second-half substitute].”

The youngster went on to praise his club captain.

“For me, in the position he plays, Cesc is the best player in the world,” he added.

“That is shown with all the interest from the clubs who want him and people talking about him. That is what I want to be like – he is the perfect player to learn from.

“He is always talking to you – he is a good leader as well as a good player. Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps, to be as good as him would be nice.”

Wilshere is in contention to play against Sunderland on Saturday as the Gunners make the trip to the Stadium of Light.

If Arsene Wenger’s side claim victory, they have the chance to go top of the table before Chelsea meet Blackpool on Sunday.

“We have started off well, the mood is brilliant and hopefully we can push on,” said Wilshere.