NRM Issue 7: Cazorla could unlock another invincible run

Although his physical stature is much smaller than Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira, who both graced Arsenal’s midfield, his technical ability is a presence as big as any. Cazorla’s instrumental passes that tear-up defences, his quick feet and brain and his close ball control allows him to stand up to any physical presence. As his play will likely continue to grow to unprecedented levels under Wenger’s tutelage, he is a key component that links the established defence of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, to that of the forwards of Walcott, Giroud and Lukas Podolski.

In my mind, there is no question of Cazorla’s importance to Arsenal. His commitment to bettering not only himself, but Arsenal as a club, is astonishing as he’s only been with Arsenal only for a year. The uncanny professionalism from a once little known Spanish talent has taken the football world by storm through brilliant partnerships he’s begun to form and lasting relationships that could eventually lead to a legendary career at the Emirates.

We can also shift our focus to Jack Wilshere. The Englishman has shown fans flashes of his brilliance, but more often than not the youngster makes a rash challenge or mistake in his defensive duties. What he does have is pure talent – a type of talent that cannot be taught. His command in the middle of the park is, at times, breathtaking, both for the Gunners and England. Even though the 21-year-old missed a few matches with injury, along with recently undergoing ankle surgery at the end of the season, he should be primed and ready for pre-season.

As Arsenal’s pre-season is set to begin on July 4th, Wilshere should complete a full recovery by that time, and ready himself for an enormous season ahead. Arsenal will look towards Wilshere to create a bit of magic in midfield and England’s Roy Hodgson will also keep a close eye on the youngster in preparation for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

While Cazorla and Wilshere will be crucial parts in Arsenal’s push towards retaining silverware both domestically and in Europe next season, former Arsenal captain Tony Adams recently hailed Koscielny and Mertesacker’s partnership as the most pivotal to Arsenal’s success now and in the future. Conceding only an astonishing four goals in ten matches when featured alongside one another, the Frenchman and German have created a center-back partnership that deserves plenty of praise. Adams explained:

“It’s the only position where you need familiarity. You need to play with your mate on a regular basis to gain confidence and I think that really worked for Arsenal defensively […] I used to play with Steve Bould. We used to play zonal defence.”

The times of Bould and Adams are long gone, but the confidence that Mertesacker and Koscielny have alongside one another is a promising start towards taking a step in the right direction. In football, it’s all about confidence and maintaining poise on and off the ball throughout the entirety of the match. As the German ages, he relates more to a zonal defensive strategy while the younger Frenchman is able to play man-to-man, allowing both to be an effective duo. Especially during the home stretch, as Arsenal were searching for another consecutive Champions League qualification, the tandem was instrumental in staving off any threats. And we all know that Koscielny provided a crucial goal to make those dreams a reality.

Say what you’d like, but Arsenal are on the up – I feel it. Spending excessive amounts on one player may be frowned upon. However, Higuain and Fellaini could potentially fit the bill at Arsenal exceptionally well. With wage demands at an all-time high there also comes plenty of expectations on the trophy end and while Wenger is an accomplished manager, it all comes down to “What have you done for me lately?”. To answer that in simple terms, Wenger has created a squad full of potential and with a few more players to complete the puzzle Arsenal may just climb to the top of European football.