
Arsene Wenger hailed his current glut of young talent as the best he has overseen in his time at Arsenal, and vowed to use the same stars who dismantled Sheffield United for the remainder of the Carling Cup.
The Frenchman fielded a youthful and largely inexperienced Gunners side against The Blades on Tuesday evening, but watched on in delight as his team – with an average age of just 19 – blew their opponents away 6-0.
And Wenger wasted little time in heaping praise on his next generation of players, stating that he believes their display goes some way to vindicating his decision to not buy in a host of established stars during the summer transfer window.
“This is the best crop of kids since I have been here. These players don’t play like kids. They play with intelligence, talent and with spirit,” said a beaming Wenger after his side’s triumph.
“You are under immense pressure to buy in the transfer window, but you know you have these players. We don’t want to kill the work we have done.
“The biggest challenge is to keep them together and integrate them into the first team.
“We want to win the trophy with this team. We can go all the way.”
Nicklas Bendtner bagged a double and Carlos Vela netted a hat-trick, but one player who Wenger singled out for special praise was 16-year-old Jack Wilshere, who also got on the scoresheet.
“I don’t think he even shaves!” said Wenger. “I integrated him at 15 and he didn’t look out of place – he was a natural.
“He is a quiet boy, he is very determined and focused. For the rest, the talent is there. You have seen that.”
Too bad this match wasn't telecasted last night ...
the best talent still needs to grow up to be great players
just motivation for his players.
still need experience
this crop of players are good. I could see Jack Wilshere having a bright future for england.
it seem AW has finally manage to polish the future england international player.
by the way, he has done so for the like ashley cole, david bentley, theo walcott and maybe almunia, whose know he might be given a chance to represent england.