Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger lauds Jack Wilshere's maturity as midfielder stars in Euro rout



By Ivan Speck for MailOnline

Arsene Wenger hailed the emerging genius of Jack Wilshere after the precocious teenager guided Arsenal to a Champions League demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk.



After the 18-year-old midfielder capped a marvellous individual display with his first goal in the competition, Wenger said: 'Jack's maturity is miles ahead of his age. That is a sign of talent. I'm happy that he got a goal because he has been running after one in the last few matches.



Jack's the lad: Wilshere gets on the scoresheet with his first Champions League goal

'He's a box-to-box player, more than just a holding midfielder. But to be honest he can play in any position across the midfield. He can play behind the striker because he can penetrate.



On top of the world: Eboue lifts Wilshere into the air after his goal

'We have to give him time and let him play. He plays football like he is playing with his mates and just plays the game like a real player.'



Wenger defended Wilshere over an ugly, first-half challenge similar to the one which saw him sent off against Birmingham City on Saturday. This time he escaped without a booking.



Wenger added: 'Sometimes with what happened on Saturday, you might see a player hide in his next game. He didn't do that.

'OK , he was fraction late for a tackle tonight, but he went for the ball and I want him to keep that.'



Skipper Cesc Fabregas fired home a penalty and his comeback from a hamstring injury lasted 64 minutes, passing off without a problem.



He said: 'I didn't feel anything. It felt great.'

VIDEO: Wenger on the victory...





