Midfield lieutenant Cazorla even better than Fabregas

Arsene Wenger has seen a few creative players leave in the past year but he has a new jewel in the crown in Santi Cazorla.

The Spaniard looks a fantastic talent and his class is there for everyone to see straight away.

He is Liam Brady and Cesc Fabregas rolled into one: he has Brady's shooting ability and Fabregas's vision. He's better than Fabregas with the ball too - he moves it so quickly, which is shown by the fact he's had more touches in the opposition half than any player so far this season.

Santi's gold: Arsenal have yet to score this season but Cazorla's started well

Santi's gold: Arsenal have yet to score this season but Cazorla's started well

Vital Stats

Watching him, it is difficult to tell sometimes if he is right or left-footed, as he is so comfortable with both.

Straight away, Cazorla has taken on the role of lieutenant in the Arsenal midfield. He is happy to receive the ball anywhere, he's taking all the free kicks and his vision is superb.

Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski will know that if they make the right runs, Cazorla will find them.

He is tough to defend against too as if you close him down, he'll thread a ball through to the strikers and if you back off, he'll shoot.

What is certain is that with him in the team, Arsenal will create a lot of chances.

Head boy: Giroud has been impressive, despite not scoring

Head boy: Giroud has been impressive, despite not scoring

Seeing him give an interview over the weekend was impressive too. He's already speaking some English and he looked happy, like he has a natural joy for life. That is infectious.

Giroud and Podolski have impressed me, despite not scoring. Podolski is intelligent with excellent movement and Giroud didn't lose a single header against Ryan Shawcross of Stoke. That is not easy. So the goals will come, especially with Cazorla on board.

HOW WENGER'S NEW PASS MASTER WORKS

This map marks Cazorla's touches at Stoke, demonstrating how he's willing to make himself available to receive the ball all over the pitch...

This map marks Cazorla's touches at Stoke, demonstrating how he's willing to make himself available to receive the ball all over the pitch...

So, is this guy the new Cesc?

There are similarities. They're both Spanish midfielders and can spot a pass. Like Fabregas, Cazorla is the key to unlocking a defence. If there's a space, he can thread a pass through it.

If he is that good, why haven't Arsenal scored yet?

It's not Cazorla's fault. The 27-year-old has created nine chances (that maybe a certain Dutchman would have taken) in two games with his outstanding vision.

Sounds like a very Arsenal-type player...

Very much so. Cazorla is everything you would associate with an Arsene Wenger buy. Great first touch, comfortable on the ball, excellent passer and he has an eye for goal.

So he can be expected to score, too?

Absolutely. He netted nine goals for Malaga last term and helped them qualify for the Champions League.

How much did he cost?

It could rise from £12million to £16m.

That sounds fairly reasonable for the new Cesc...

Very reasonable. Malaga were desperate to offload Cazorla because of money troubles and Wenger knows a good deal when he sees one.

How does Santi's medal cabinet look?

Not a lot domestically, but he has won two European Championships with Spain.

Really? I don't remember him playing at Euro 2012.

Well, you wouldn't, in a midfield with Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Fabregas. But, to be fair, he does have 46 caps.

By Sami Mokbel