Alex Iwobi has given his verdict on who he thinks is Arsenal's key player, in an interview with Soccer AM.
Opting to ignorethe likes of standout performers this season, such as Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, Iwobi named Spanish maestro Santi Cazorlawhen asked for his'player's player'.
Paying tribute to his technical ability, Iwobi said: "Definitely Santi. He uses his left and right. The ability he has on the ball is crazy sometimes. He pulls off crazy skills in training and you can see his technique in matches is just amazing."
Cazorla is well-known for representing a rare breed of ambidextrous footballer, and often draws widespreadpraise from fans and punditsfor making the game look easier than it is.
"It is something I continuously work on in a very strong manner to ensure that my level never gets any lower," he revealed when speaking to the club's official websiteon the subjectlast year.
"Everything comes from a base of hard work. After training sessions I would stay an extra half-an-hour and kick the ball against the wall with my weaker foot over and over again to make sure it becomes stronger and better. Players should remember that everything comes from hard work."
Cazorla recently picked up an achilles injury and has missed the last fourPremier League outings.Although Arsene Wenger will be hoping for as quick a return as possible for the player, he does have options for the midfield positions in the form of summer signing Granit Xhaka, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny and the fit-again Aaron Ramsey.
For Iwobi, who started against PSG in the ChampionsLeague on Wednesday,it will be a case of continuing his promising startfor the Gunners in his breakthrough season.
The 20-year-old Nigerian had started seven league games in a row, beforebeginning the clash against Manchester United on the bench.