"Jack Wilshere can become one of the best players in the world" - Wenger

Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere can become one of the best players in the world if he maintains his passion and attitude for the game.

Wilshere missed the entire 2011-12 season through injury and it was feared he would not be the same player when he returned to action in October.

The Arsenal midfielder silenced the doubters with some superb performances and he continues to go from strength to strength with the 21-year-old hailed for his outstanding showing for England in the 2-1 win over Brazil on Wednesday.

Wenger believes Wilshere’s commitment and desire are behind his strong performances and he expects him to continue improving, providing he does not lose his passion for the sport.

“You make your career and you are a bit special [because of] your qualities and that is one of the qualities Jack has: that commitment, that desire to win,” Wenger told reporters.

“You should not take that off him because he would not be the same player anymore. You can only be a great player if you respect who you really are and that is what makes him special.

“The influence he has today on the England national team already is absolutely fantastic – let’s just hope that he does not have any more injury problems in the near future. I believe he can handle all the rest.

“He is fit on the ground, he loves football, he loves to play and he loves to improve so that is very good news for England.

“The most important thing for me will be to keep his passion for the game, and keep the attitude of wanting to become a better player.

“If he keeps these two ingredients – which is not always easy – he can become a fantastic player. He already is one, but he can become one of the best in the world.”