Jack Wilshere can be West Ham’s answer to Andrea Pirlo, claims Manuel Pellegrini

JACK WILSHERE can become West Ham’s version of Italian maestro Andrea Pirlo, says Manuel Pellegrini.

Hammers chief Pellegrini admits his new midfield pairing of Wilshere and skipper Mark Noble lacks the legs to outrun the opposition.

But the Chilean reckons they possess other qualities as the club prepare to face Arsenal tomorrow.

Wilshere was brutally binned by new boss Unai Emery in the summer, having joined the Gunners aged nine.

But yesterday he got a ringing endorsement from Pellegrini ahead of their clash at the Emirates.

And this despite the Hammers losing both their Prem games, with criticism Wilshere is too similar to Noble.

Ex-Manchester City gaffer Pellegrini said: “If you need fast players, then they cannot do it.

“If you need good technical players that don’t lose any balls, they can play together.

“A lot of you will remember that Juventus played with one holding midfielder. It was Pirlo.

“And Pirlo is the same as Jack, the same characteristics. Pirlo was not a defensive midfielder to sit in front of the defence.

"He was more comfortable taking the ball from the defenders. Jack makes things happen.

“When I played here in England against Arsenal with Villarreal, Jack was always a very good player.

“I don’t know the reason why he finished his contract with Arsenal, I don’t know why they allowed him to come here.

“We will see him back to his best I’m sure, because he is just 26. He knows better how he must manage his physical work so as not to get injured.

“This season we have been working with him from July 1 — and he has not had any injury problems so far.”

Legend Pirlo won 116 caps for Italy, two Champions Leagues, a World Cup and six Serie A titles, so Wilshere has some catching up to do.

Neither Arsenal or West Ham have a point on the board yet, which sets up this London derby as much more than just the Wilshere show.

Defeats to Liverpool and at home to Bournemouth have put pressure on Pellegrini already, ahead of a traditionally barren fixture for his new club.

He said: “We need to improve our attacking, defending and our mentality.”