With Santi Cazorla experiencing yet another injury setback, it’s time that Arsenal started doing some much-needed succession planning. The 32-year old is now expected to be out until 2018, an absence that could once again halt Arsenal’s title push.
The likes of Granit Xhaka and Mohammed Elneny have adjusted to the Premier League quickly at Arsenal, neither of them has the skill set of Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard is a deep-lying playmaker with the ability of a false 9; he’s a rare oddity in football today. That’s why it’s imperative Arsène Wenger makes it his top priority to replace him.
Here are five possible replacements for Santi Cazorla at Arsenal.
5. Sergio Roberto
The more the Spaniard wastes his career at right-back, the quicker people forget what a competent midfielder the youngster is.
As a La Masia graduate, Roberto is a disciple of the principles Johan Cruyff, and Pep Guardiola. He understands how important ball retention and opening up passing lanes are.
At Arsenal, such a mindset would be welcomed as Arsène Wenger’s philosophy of football also revolves around possession.
Because of his woeful performances at RB, Roberto’s stock has been rapidly falling among the fans and board members. Amazing feat means this would be the perfect time for Arsenal to swoop in and rescue the young man’s career. Roberto has far too many admirable attributes to be played out of position in a hostile environment.
