Arsene Wenger compares Jack Wilshere to a young Rooney

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has compared 17-year-old attacking midfielder Jack Wilshere to a young Wayne Rooney, despite telling supporters not to expect too much, too soon from the youngster.

Wilshere has played brilliantly this pre-season for Arsenal, earning the man of the match award in Emirates Cup matches with Atlético Madrid and Rangers. He scored twice against the Scottish champions, igniting Arsenal supporters’ expectations for the youngster.

Wenger said, “I believe what is good in Jack’s case [is] he reminds me a bit of Rooney when he started, in his belief and in his positive attitude to go forward. still has a lot to learn, team-wise and in his relationship with other players but there are some great basics there. You do not want him to be a star before he has delivered, though, and managing expectation levels is harder here than anywhere else.”

If Wilshere can keep up his good form throughout much of the Premier League season he may even earn himself a surprise spot in England’s World Cup roster. Arsenal winger Theo Walcott was included in the England’s 2006 World Cup squad at the same age as Wilshere.

Last season Wilshere made eight appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring once in the Carling Cup.