Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere believes new signing Granit Xhaka will hold the midfield together ahead of the new season.

The Swiss midfielder will line up alongside, rather than against Wilshere this season, and the England man is confident Xhaka will be an excellent addition to the ranks, reports the Arsenal website.

‘I’ve played against him a few times at youth level for England and also for the first team with England, so I know him quite well,’ Wilshere said.

‘I’ve always thought he was a good player, he’s very strong and has got a good left foot. He’s a leader, he can hold the midfield together and can get things going from back to front. He’s a good signing.’

The pair are set to line-up alongside each other for the first time when they take on the MLS All-Star and they could come up against some all-time great midfielders.

‘Yes, I’m very excited about the game,’ he added.

‘These are players I looked up to when I was growing up – the likes of Pirlo and Kaka.

‘My generation looked up to them. They have been at the top of their game for more than ten years and it will be nice to play against them.’

Arsenal play the MLS All-Stars San Jose on Thursday.