Cole tells Pellegrini where to play Wilshere

Former Hammer Joe Cole has told the Coaches’ Voice that Manuel Pellegrini should play new signing Jack Wilshere deeper in midfield and compared him to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.

Cole has urged Pellegrini to play the 26 year old in deep midfield rather than the number 10 role – and reckons he shows similarities to Verratti.

“I look at him and think he is a similar player to myself, in terms of style,” Cole said. “I’d like to have coached him, I still think he has levels to go up if you keep him fit.

“As a manager, I would have managed him differently to how he has been managed; he’d have played more games. I’d play him in a position deeper than the number 10 role, as a number 10, that’s when he gets into a bit of trouble.

“I’d play him more in midfield when he can pick and choose his moments to go, and be more explosive; he’s more effective there. People might have looked at him as an Eden Hazard, I’m looking at him like a Marco Verratti.”