Age: 29
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Attacking Midfield
Squad no. 19
Height: 5”6
Interesting Fact: He became only the third Spanish player, behind Fernando Torres and Jordi Gomez, to score a hat trick in the English Premier League.
The Spanish wizard joined Arsenal from Malaga in 2012, after guiding Malaga to a Champions League spot for the first time in the club’s history. He was signed alongside Podolski and Giroud in the summer window. He instantly established himself as a fan favourite, with a man of the match display on his debut and a string of impressive performances against Stoke and Liverpool in the early stages of his Arsenal career. He was named Arsenal’s player of the season 2012-2013 with a very impressive 12 goal and 14 assists whilst also featuring in all 38 of Arsenal’s Premier league games. The two footed attacking midfielder has established himself as part of the furniture at Arsenal with two impressive years at the club. He will always be remembered for the fantastic free kick that was instrumental in getting Arsenal back into the FA Cup final. After finding themselves two nil down very early in the first half Arsenal were on the brink of having to wait even longer for silverware, but Cazorla stepped up and got Arsenal right back into the game. He will be key to Arsenal winning even more trophies in the near future.
How much will he play?
Arsene Wenger faces a dilemma when it comes to the three players that will play behind the striker. Does he opt for quick wingers, which set Arsenal up perfectly for the counter attack? Or does he decide on three skillful midfielders who will interchange positions, creating problems for opposition midfielders and full backs alike? Cazorla will be more suited to the latter. After the addition of Ozil at the beginning of last season Cazorla was mainly used on the left with Ozil being preferred in Cazorla’s favourite position behind the striker. I envisage a similar thing happening this season, however if Ozil does not pick up his form in an Arsenal shirt then Cazorla might play centrally a lot more than expected.
How well will he do?
Cazorla scored 7 goals last season and was credited with many more assists. In his first season he scored 12 goals and I feel that if he can emuluate his form from his first two seasons at the club then Arsenal will not be struggling to create chances. I feel that Cazorla is one of the most technically gifted players at Arsenal and should do well given a run of games this season. However Cazorla is much more effective in a central area rather than on the left and if played in his correct position I am sure we are more likely to see the best of Santi.
Read: Report cards for the whole Arsenal squad
Pace: 5
Finishing: 8
Dribbling: 9
Passing: 10
Vision: 10
Stamina: 7
Current value: £20million
Potential value: £22million
Overall rating: 9/10