Footaholic
12 years ago
I'm Stevie G means well here but he isn't helping anyone with these comments.
People need to stop putting so much pressure on the boy. He's only 21 and the entire nation, in typical English fahsion, is already pinning their hopes on him. The boy is good but this kind of hype has bad precedence and I fear that he will turn into another Rooney for the NT at this rate.
Now I have nothing but absolute respect for Stevie G but I would've thought that as captain he should be helping to protect the kid from this kind of pressure, not add to it.
Steven Gerrard has backed Jack Wilshere to become the best in the world.
England captain Gerrard will face five-time World Cup winners Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday firmly believing the young Arsenal midfielder can develop into a player so good it is “scary”.
Gerrard will start alongside Wilshere for the first time against the hosts of next year's World Cup in the glamour friendly, and the Liverpool legend believes the 21-year-old can help guide England to the finals.
“I think he’s got the potential to become one of the best in the world,” said Gerrard.
“I don’t want to add any pressure. That’s unfair. But playing against him recently and in training, he’s a one-off. He's a lot better than your normal Premier League midfielder. I have a lot of confidence in him."
Brazil, hosts of the 2014 tournament, boast a side packed with talent including Ronaldinho, Neymar, Oscar and Paulinho, but Gerrard insists Wilshere will be comfortable in that company.
The England captain said: "He's got a bit of everything, he can tackle, get up and down the pitch, create a goal, score a goal, can pass. He can tick almost every box, and he's going to get better and better. He's only 21 and a fantastic talent. We're all delighted he's back and happy to play with him.
"I hope he brings out the best in all of us. He's a top player and I hope he gives the dressing room a lift. We need competition for places if we're going to get to Brazil. All over the pitch, there's good competition for places."
Gerrard says Wilshere can deal with the pressure and level of expectation but he also believes that his 17 month injury lay-off will only add to his determination to reach the top.
"He's been frustrated at the amount of football he's missed," said Gerrard. "There's nothing worse than missing a year of football. He wants to make up for lost time.
"You have to give credit to his club manager as well, and he'll come back to top form. And he'll get better, and better than he is now. Which is a scary thought.
"He looks as if he can cope with the pressure. You've still got the likes of Rooney, Lampard and Cole, other top players in the group, and we'll share the responsibility out. It's up to us to put our arms round him and make sure you lot don't put too much pressure on him."
Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/england-v-brazil-its-scary-1588157