Jack Wilshere reveals Xabi Alonso study

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 11 October 2014

England's Jack Wilshere reveals that he has been studying the methods of Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso to make him a better deep-lying playmaker.

Arsenal and England ace Jack Wilshere has revealed that he uses his iPad to study footage of the "ridiculous" Xabi Alonso.

The Bayern Munich midfielder - a summer signing from Real Madrid - has already broken a Bundesliga record by registering 204 touches in the 2-0 win over FC Koln last month.

Wilshere impressed in a similar deep-lying role in Thursday's win over San Marino, and the 22-year-old reveals that he is modelling his game on the Spanish pass master.

"I have been watching Xabi Alonso on video in the past couple of weeks. He had a record number of passes in one game, 200 in one match, which is ridiculous," he told The Mirror.

"You learn how he uses the ball and you learn when it's a good time to dribble or sometimes pass. I enjoy playing that role. I enjoy getting on the ball and starting attacks.

"I get clips of Alonso through on my iPad. The analyst guys here send them to me and they highlight some of his key points, his key strengths. It's a 20 - to 25-minute package."

Wilshere is expected to continue in the same role for England's trip to Estonia on Sunday.