Arsene Wenger says Jack Wilshere can become one of the world's best players

Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere can become one of the best players in the world.

The Arsenal boss was speaking in the wake of the 21-year-old’s man of the match performance in England’s 2-1 win over Brazil on Wednesday.

Wilshere was making just his seventh senior team appearance, having missed all of last season with an ankle injury.

But Wenger is confident his young playmaker can take the plaudits in his stride and continue to improve.

The Frenchman said of Wilshere: "You do not want to set any limit on the development of any player, especially when he plays at that level at his age.

"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 that are not always easy, he can of course become a fantastic player. He is already one, but he can become one of the best in the world, yes.”

Wenger handed Wilshere his professional debut against Blackburn in 2008 and has nurtured him from a raw teenager to the player he is today.

He added: "As a very young boy he had a very special talent of course. But when you see a boy at 16 years of age, you never know how he will develop.

"Let's not forget that he is only 21 now, and he starts his career really because he was out for 17 months.

“The influence he has today on the England national team already is absolutely fantastic."