‘Santi is the perfect player for us'

By Lloyd Webb

Nacho Monreal says Santi Cazorla is the “perfect player” for Arsenal’s attacking style of play.

The midfielder has been out of action since November following knee surgery and is nearing his return after a five-month lay-off.

Monreal says Cazorla has been missed and he can’t wait to see him back in action.

“Given the way we play, Santi is the perfect player for us because he loves receiving the ball, he brings our centre-backs into the game and really helps us to bring the ball out,” the defender told Arsenal Player.

"He’s probably one of the most technically-gifted players we have in the team and obviously he brings a lot to the side.

"Everybody really likes him and we’re aware that his way of playing and the amount of assists and goals he pitches in with are very important for us.

"Obviously he’s had this injury that’s kept him out for about five months and the team feels that. When you lose an important player the team pays for it.”