Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla: I'm finding my best form next to Francis Coquelin

Dynamic duo: Coquelin and Cazorla have built a fine understanding
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge29 October 2015

Santi Cazorla has said he is enjoying his deep-lying role alongside Francis Coquelin, even though it gives him fewer opportunities to score.

The Spain international has flourished in a deeper position since first being pushed back by Arsenal Wenger earlier this year. His partnership with Coquelin has helped Arsenal’s defence to become one of the most solid in the league, with the joint fewest goals conceded of any team this season.

Despite the strong understanding between Wenger’s midfield duo the manager may have little choice but to separate the duo as he looks to cover for eight injuries in the squad that have left him down to the bare bones.

Both Kieran Gibbs and Hector Bellerin may be moved forward from defence but Wenger could alternatively return Cazorla to the number 10 role in which he flourished during his first season at the club. The 30-year-old, though, would be keen to stay in the deeper position he is in now.

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“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," he told the club website.

“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.

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

Wenger played Cazorla on the left flank during the opening day of the season, but the playmaker was one of several to struggle in a 2-0 defeat to West Ham. Reflecting on Cazorla’s struggles after the game his manager admitted he no longer sees him as a wide midfielder because he lacks the pace to beat defenders.

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