West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere heaped praise on teammate Marko Arnautovic but confessed the forward does give him a bit of stick.
The 26-year-old who joined the Hammers in the summer shared he was very impressed by his new teammate and praised his abilities on and off the pitch.
Wilshere added that while Arnautovic has given him a bit of sticking since his arrival at the London Stadium, the attacker had welcomed him into the fold.
“Arnautovic is some player. I’ve played with some strikers, great players,” Wilshere told the Daily Mirror.
“He is up there. He is right up there.
“Ability-wise, he’s powerful, got so much in his game. His attitude is brilliant. He’s a good character and is one of the leaders in the team as well.
“Before I went to West Ham I didn’t know know with him, but he’s been great from day one.
“He welcomed me in. He gives me a bit of stick but I can handle it.”
OPINION
It seems Wilshere doesn’t mind that Arnautovic likes giving him a bit stick and it’s probably a sign of the team spirit developing at the Hammers. Manuel Pellegrini welcomed several new recruits this summer, including the former Arsenal midfielder, and no doubt is pleased that a player like Arnautovic has made sure at least the player feels welcome. While the winger clearly has done it by teasing Wilshere a little bit, it seems to have gone down a treat seeing as the midfielder is now singing his teammates’ praises. While the former Gunner clearly has settled in behind the scenes at the club, he is yet to look comfortable on the pitch in a Hammers shirt. Wilshere featured four times for the Hammers ahead of getting injured and only put in one performance that could be deemed good. The 26-year-old’s effort and heart couldn’t be doubted as he seemed to put in a shift for his side, but nothing seemed to work out for him. Hopefully when fit again, Wilshere will have better luck.
