Santi Cazorla believes he has become 'defensively aware' in his new role

Santi Cazorla was initially signed by Arsenal as an attacking midfielder

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has revealed that the secret to his fine form over the last 12 months has been due to the improvement in the defensive aspect of his game, the Mirror reported. Cazorla has been deployed as a deep-lying playmaker by manager Arsene Wenger and the Spaniard has admitted he’s enjoying the new role alongside teammate Francis Coquelin.

The 30-year-old was initially signed from Malaga as an attacking midfielder but after two seasons with the Gunners, Cazorla has had to make some changes in his role for the team. The Spain international has transformed himself from a tricky attacking wide player to a deep-lying midfield maestro in a span of 12 months.

Ever since he has been deployed centrally, he has been Wenger’s first choice and has flourished tremendously alongside Frenchman Coquelin. Cazorla’s partnership with his midfield partner has helped the North London club’s defence to become one of the most solid in England’s top flight, with the joint fewest goals conceded by any team this season.

While Coquelin’s responsibility is to break up play from the opposition’s attack, the former Villareal player runs the show from the middle of the park with his sublime touch, guile and cross-field passes. He plays a key part in linking up play between defence and attack.

Change of roles in the team has not slowed Cazorla down

The move initially came last season, and the Spaniard has admitted he has had to adjust his mindset in order to flourish in his new role. Cazorla has revealed that he had to improve the defensive aspect of his game as he was suddenly expected to defend for the team.

“The boss changed my position last season to play me more centrally,” he told in an interview.

“It’s a position I really like, though of course it means I’m further away from the opposing area so I have fewer chances to score.”

“I’m finding my best form and I’m really enjoying the new position.”

“You have different responsibilities.”

“In terms of defence, you have to defend more and you have to help the team more in terms of making sure you’re well-positioned to ensure the players in attack can stay fresh.”

Cazorla’s move into the central role has helped him link up with the attacking talent that Arsenal boasts in their squad.

“We need the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud - so that means myself, Coquelin, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini need to be well-positioned to ensure those in attack can perform as well as possible.”

The Gunners already have a long list of injuries this season including Danny Welbeck, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere who are all long-term absentees. The Spain international’s influence in the squad could come in handy to the club’s march for the league title this season.