Jack Wilshere Hails Nahki Wells’ Impact
Jack Wilshere, the Luton Town manager, praised Nahki Wells after his two-goal performance against Stockport County in the Vertu EFL Trophy final at Wembley.
The striker, who has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, inspired Luton to a 3-1 win over their Sky Bet League One rivals despite not training fully during the week due to a groin problem.
“I’m really happy for him and I’m really grateful to him because he didn’t train this week,” Wilshere told BBC Three Counties Radio.
“He came off on Monday [against AFC Wimbledon] with a tight groin, he trained a little bit yesterday and we wanted to wait for him for his experience, his know-how, his ability to lead the group.”
Wilshere, a former Arsenal and England midfielder, said Wells offers more than just goals, highlighting his influence within the squad.
“He’s probably by his own admission not scored the goals he wanted, but I’ve spoken so many times about how much more he brings,” he said.
“Of course, we want him to add goals and he got that today, but he’s a leader and his energy around the place, we’re really grateful for that.
“His first was a top goal. For his first touch to set it up like he did and have the composure to give the goalie the eyes and put it in was a top goal.
“That was in my opinion a top number nine goal as he understood that it wasn’t an easy ball to control, then he had to control it, and the quicker he did that the more time he had to set himself.
“It was a top finish but a top pass as well and you could see how much it meant to them.”
Luton, who are tenth in the table, are at home to Northampton Town tomorrow [April 15].
