The Boy Wonder (AKA Jack Wilshere) reminded a lot of fans of Liam Brady when he first burst on the scene. A natural flair, stylish but with a steel edge. And what a left foot.
So it is heartening to read that JW reveres Brady, having grown up as a footballer under his watchful eye and tutelage. Quotes have emerged this morning from the post-match interview with the nipper after the Shakthar game.
Here is what he had to say: “Liam Brady is my role model. He has always been there in my career. He has helped me a lot and people have said I am a similar player to him. I was on the books when Patrick was still here and I think the way he tackled and intercepted play is something I would add to my game. The strongest part of my game at the moment is my passing and my weakest is probably my right foot, but I’m working on that.”
Heartening, too, that our other midfield genius, Cesc, has an influence on JW. “Cesc talks to me and tells me what I need to do. He was 16 when he burst on to the scene so you just need to talk to the senior players like him and they help you through,” he said.
Elsewhere today, the row rumbles on with AW and mouthy Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk. The latter wants to include the crocked RVP for a friendly against Turkey on November 17. Er, don’t forget Bertie boy: RVP has not played since injuring his ankle at Blackburn in August! Yet the imbecilic Van Marwijk has included him in his squad and is bleating about AW asking questions about the validity of that decision.
He said: “They (AW’s opinions) don’t mean anything. I’ve spoken to Robin personally and he is doing well. He will rejoin training there so I had no hesitation picking him. Has there been any contact with the medical staff of Holland and Arsenal? I don’t know. I don’t care,
because I spoke to Robin personally and I just made the selection and will wait for any comments to come.”
There will be a few my old Dutch, a fair few…
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