Pellegrini: Jack can be our Pirlo
MANUEL PELLEGRINI has boldly compared Jack Wilshere to Andrea Pirlo. The Italy legend became one of the best central midfielders in the world at AC Milan and Juventus, winning the Champions League twice and Serie A six times. He also won the World Cup in 2006. For tomorrow’s trip to Arsenal — Wilshere’s former club — Pellegrini could deploy the 26-year-old in front of a back four as Pirlo was used when starring for Juventus. ‘A lot of you will remember Juventus around four or five years ago played with one holding midfielder,’ said Pellegrini. ‘It was Pirlo. Pirlo’s the same as Jack.’ Wilshere, signed on a free, was one of nine new Hammers recruits this summer. Manager Unai Emery has explained that his decision to let Wilshere leave Arsenal after 17 years boiled down to the midfielder wanting to be the ‘protagonist’ in his team. ‘I am happy if he finds (an opportunity to be the) protagonist at West Ham,’ said Emery. ‘He chooses what the best was for him in his future. I wish him the best in his career at West Ham — not Saturday!’