Former Barcelona captain Xavi has claimed Jack Wilshere would be one of the world’s best midfielders had he remained injury free.
Speaking to ESPN FC, the 35-year-old said Wilshere “Can still go on an be one of the best midfield players in the world.”
The Arsenal midfielder has played just 26 games for the club since the start of last season, and is currently out with an injury suffered on the eve of the current Premier League campaign.
But Xavi has plenty of time for the England man, against whom he has played in the Champions League, even if he doesn’t think Wilshere’s style is typical of English players.
“With all respect, he doesn’t play the English way,” Xavi noted.
“He has an excellent passing range, an ability not to lose the ball, it is clear that he has had his education at Arsenal.”
Wilshere will likely be pleased with the compliment from a great of the game, but we’re not sure he’ll appreciate being labelled un-English.
Each day I wake up feeling proud and blessed to born English,that is a gift that nobody can ever take away from me.Enjoy your St Georges Day
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 23, 2015
