Santi Cazrola the key against Bayern Munich

Cazorla key against Bayern Munich?

It seems almost an eternity ago that Arsenal came within a Nicklas Bendtner missed chance away from dumping then ‘greatest side on the planet’, Barcelona, out of the Champions League.

Back then at the Nou Camp in 2011, Arsenal had the likes of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and, before his sending off, Robin van Persie. When Arsenal face the latest ‘greatest side on the planet’ in Bayern Munich, they’ll have a team that’s arguably every bit as good as the one that gave Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona a scare just over three years ago.

With a more mature Jack Wilshere than was present at Camp Nou, record-signing Mesut Ozil and Mathieu Flamini to call upon, even without the injured Aaron Ramsey and suspended Mikel Arteta the Gunners’ midfield is looking stronger than ever. Despite the abundance of aforementioned talent Arsenal have to call upon, it could well be another midfielder that proves the difference when they face the Champions of Europe.

Santi Cazorla hasn’t quite reached the heights to make Arsenal fans start thinking “Cesc who?” but he’s not far off, with a number of sublime performances this season, which may just give Arsene Wenger confidence going into such a difficult tie against such an impressive midfield.

Cazorla could be the difference against Guardiola’s side and while the Spaniard has yet to truly shine in the Champions League, his performances on the domestic front, should make Arsenal fans confident he can help their side overcome the odds and cause an upset.

Cazorla has won enough Squawka awards this season to prove he’s a vital cog in the Arsenal midfield machine and while some of you may be sceptical of the gravity of such accolades, let me assure you, unlike frivolous player of the month awards or Ballon D’or nominations, these aren’t handed out lightly.

Cazorla may be regarded as a creative force in the Arsenal midfield- and rightly so- but the Spaniard isn’t afraid to get involved defensively, something that will without a doubt prove vital to the Gunners chances of progressing past the all-conquering Bayern Munich.

Arsenal’s best result in the competition this season came away at Borussia Dortmund where something of a smash and grab 1-0 win saw them place one foot firmly in the next round. Cazorla played a crucial role in Germany and his clearances helped to ensure it was Wenger and not Jurgen Klopp who was being lauded as a genius the following morning.

A midfielder that can create as Cazorla does, but also contribute defensively will be fundamental to Arsenal when it comes to facing the likes of Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller and Thiago Alcântara in what promises to be a cracker of a tie.