‘Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere can be one of the best midfielders in the world’

Thomas Vermaelen is convinced Jack Wilshere has the potential to develop into one of the best midfielders in the world as the Arsenal youngster continues his recovery from injury.

Wilshere made his second competitive appearance for the Arsenal Under-21s earlier this week as he continues along the road to full fitness after being ruled out for 14 months with knee and ankle problems.

Gunners captain Vermaelen believes the 20-year-old is set to return stronger and fitter than he was before his lengthy lay-off – and is backing the England international to become one of the world’s top midfielders in seasons to come.

“You know what he did in his first full season for Arsenal – he was amazing,” Vermaelen told Arsenal Player.

“For me, he can be one of the best midfielders in the world. He has the potential for that.

“I’m really happy he’s coming back now. He’s working on his match fitness and that’s the most important thing. I think in the future [he] will lift the team.

“When I was out with injury, I was in the gym a lot. Jack was in the gym even longer working hard on his weaknesses.

“You can see that now in his body on the pitch. For me he looks much stronger and that’s good. Sometimes you have to take the positives when you’re out for more than a year and I think he’s done that.”