Jack Wilshere Has Been Compared To Andrea Pirlo, No Seriously

Andrea Pirlo is one of the most gifted natural passers of the ball to have ever graced the pitch, yet his latest comparison is likely to leave you scratching your head.

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has bizarrely compared the Italian maestro and Jack Wilshere.

The 26-year-old joined the Hammers on a free transfer this summer after new manager Unai Emery could not guarantee a place for him at the Gunners, a club he has been at since 2001.

Wilshere will face his former club for the first time as Arsenal take on West Ham this Saturday.

Mark Noble pairs Wilshere in midfield, and although Wilshere has played 90 minutes in both games their relationship has not looked convincing, following a 4-0 thumping from Liverpool and Bournemouth coming from behind to win 2-1.

"A lot of you will remember Juventus around four or five years ago, they played with one holding midfielder - it was Pirlo," said Pellegrini.

"And Pirlo is the same as Jack. He has the same characteristics as Jack.

"I think that Jack Wilshere must play as Jack Wilshere. He is not a defensive midfielder to hold the line. He is a midfielder more comfortable when he comes out from our side and not receiving the ball back from the other goal.

"You must leave him to play alone, to receive the ball because he is going to make things happen."

The new manager clearly has belief in his new midfielder, here's hoping Wilshere can shrug off the injuries and find his form again at West Ham.

Do you think he will flourish at the Hammers?

Let us know in the comments.

Words by George Buksmann.