Jack Wilshere has the potential to be the world's best player, according to Steven Gerrard, with the Arsenal midfielder set to partner the England skipper in the friendly against Brazil.
Wilshere has been tipped by many to be England's savior - a statement which hasn't been taken too kindly by manager Roy Hodgson as well as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as they try to temper the excitement surrounding the diminutive playmaker.
The Wilshere and Gerrard combo was expected to be one of the most exciting midfield partnerships in recent times, but injuries to the former had disrupted those chances, until now.
"Jack's got a bit of everything -- he can tackle, pass, get up and down the pitch, create a goal or score a goal," Gerrard said ahead of the friendly against Brazil at Wembley Wednesday. "He ticks almost every box, and he's going to get better and better.
"He's only 21 and a fantastic talent, and we're delighted he's back. He has the potential to become one of the best in the world. I don't want to put any pressure on him, but having played against him recently and seen him in training, he's a one-off. He's a lot better than your normal Premier League midfielder.
"He's been frustrated at the amount of football he's missed and wants to make up for lost time. You have to give credit to his club manager, Arsene Wenger, as well for the way he's found his form, but he'll get better, and better than he is now, which is a scary thought.
Gerrard, however, believes all hopes must not hinge on Wilshere, with the rest of the players also needing to step up and create a team capable of challenging for the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil.
"One man can't carry a nation on his own. He needs other players to help," Gerrard added. "I can only tell him to try and keep his feet on the ground and enjoy it. His career will be full of ups and downs, but he has the mentality to handle it and looks as if he can cope with the pressure.
"These young players with huge potential, they all have to go out and prove it in big games in the Premier League, the Champions League and at international level.
"They have to show they're good enough to compete against other world-class players. If they do, then the tag of 'world-class' can be given out.
"For now, we've still got the likes of (Wayne) Rooney, (Frank) Lampard and (Ashley) Cole, all top players, who can share the responsibility. It's up to us to put our arms round him and make sure we don't put too much pressure on him."
