Jack Wilshere could have inadvertently helped a Tottenham star of the future.
Cook has the potential to become a top star for Spurs, as an England under-20 captain and senior international already for the Three Lions.
He has been tipped for the top since breaking into the Leeds side at 17, but has an unlikely teammate to thank for helping to develop his game.
Cook credits former Bournemouth loanee Jack Wilshere for helping him improve, a long term nemesis of Tottenham due to his Arsenal ties and recent move to West Ham.
Wilshere signed on loan with the Cherries in 2016/17, and while it appeared detrimental to Cook at first, the youngster said he benefited from having the midfielder there too.
Cook told the Daily Echo: “I took a lot from him. On and off the pitch, he was a great guy.
“His skill on the pitch was unbelievable. In training, he would show me little things and I tried to add them to my game and improve as a player.
“He’s a great player technically, very gifted, so I like watching him as well. The way he runs with the ball is very powerful. He’s not the biggest guy but is very powerful on the ball and I felt I wanted to try to take that into my game.”
Cook kicked on last year for Bournemouth without Wilshere there to compete for his place, and a move to Tottenham can help him overtake the West Ham midfielder in the battle for an England place.
Wilshere may have inadvertently helped a future Tottenham star, if Cook’s proposed £30 million move goes ahead before the transfer deadline.
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