Santi Cazorla says Jack Wilshere has 'amazing potential'

Spaniard impressed with Arsenal team-mate

Santi Cazorla believes Arsenal team-mate Jack Wilshere has “amazing potential” and is quickly getting back to his best after long-term injury.

Cazorla arrived in north London from Malaga during the summer and has impressed in his short time with the Gunners.

The Spain international has been particularly impressed by Wilshere since the England midfielder's recovery from ankle and knee problems.

"He has amazing potential," Cazorla told Arsenal Player. "I did not know him well when I arrived because he was not at the training sessions due to his injury, and everyone was already talking about him, saying that when he returned, the team would improve, and that has been the case.

"Every day he is gaining more confidence, he is forgetting about the injury, and he is a key player that can influence the result in a game, and thus, we are all very happy to see him 100 per cent again.

"He was out for a long time and it was an injury that takes time to heal.

"It is always hard to come back from injury, especially if it is very long.

"You always have that fear up until you start getting your confidence back, and you start getting back to your old self, and he has done that quickly."

Cazorla was also quick to praise his fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta, particularly for helping him settle so quickly at the Emirates Stadium.

"There is a reason he is the vice-captain of the team: he is a reference player in the dressing room," Cazorla said. "He has helped me a lot.

"He knew I was a new signing, that it would be a positive experience for me but that I would also need time. He has had a calming effect on me.

"He has shown his confidence in me, and it is clear that Mikel has been key in my adaptation because he has always helped me."

PA