Santi Cazorla: This is what I think of my new Arsenal team-mate Shkodran Mustafi

SANTI CAZORLA believes Shkodran Mustafi has been a great addition to Arsenal’s defence this season.

German World Cup winner Mustafi moved to the Emirates from Valencia for £35million during the summer. 

The 24-year-old has since impressed alongside Laurent Koscielny in the heart of the Gunners defence. 

And Cazorla feels Mustafi has made Arsenal much more secure at the back.

"Mustafi has brought a lot to the team," Cazorla told IBTimes. 

“Even though he is still very young he already has big experience and has formed a good partnerships with Koscielny. 

“They already understand each other very well. 

“That solidness in defence gives the rest of the team an assurance to play with more freedom.”

Arsenal FC 2016-17 projected lineups

The English Premier League begins in a little over a month, and many ardent fans are counting down the days until the start. With teams splashing cash and star-studded managers imposing their presence in the league, fans eagerly await what the season has in store. Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea headline the transfer rumor section of news outlets with their numerous summer acquisitions. But let’s look at a team with the infamous minimal or last-minute activity in the summer transfer window: Arsenal FC.  Let’s analyze several options of what their optimal starting lineup could look like during the course of the 2016-2017 season. 

A three-man midfield

Under manager Arsene Wenger, Arsenal usually employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, where the “2” were midfielders that served as protection for the defenders. At the beginning of last season, Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin occupied those positions. But with the outstanding performances of Aaron Ramsey for Wales in Euro 2016 and the purchase of the combative Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, Wenger must reassess the midfield.

A Cazorla-Xhaka-Ramsey midfield could reap the best results. Xhaka’s tough tackling and adept passing skills can liberate the attack-minded Aaron Ramsey and allow him to play a freelance role in the midfield, much like the one he played for Wales. Cazorla will serve as Arsenal’s metronome, dictating the pace of the team’s attack and exhibiting the wisdom to sit back and defend. 

Play with two strikers instead of one

Olivier Giroud has encountered an incessant amount of criticism for his inconsistent goal scoring for Arsenal over the course of a given season. It cannot, however, solely be blamed on his efforts but rather the formation, as Giroud often found himself on an island in the 4-2-3-1. With a second striker alongside him, particularly one who has been blessed with speed, the Frenchman can flourish. 

While playing for the France national team in Euro 2016, Giroud has exhibited a great striking partnership with the petit and fleet-footed Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid, as the duo has combined for nine goals.

A similar system can be utilized at Arsenal. 

Pair Giroud with Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott or Danny Welbeck, all players who have the speed to compliment the Frenchman’s physical prowess and aerial ability. It could potentially increase the Gunners goal output for next season. 

Arsenal has a tough season coming up as they battle with six serious English Premier League title contenders. But with the changes made to the squad formation and maximizing the potential of key players in the squad, Arsenal could lift the coveted trophy. 

The Premier League influence on Spain

Ever since Rafa Benitez took over as Liverpool manager in 2004 and brought the likes of Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia with him, there has been a steady stream of Spanish players plying their trade in the Premier League. Whilst Barcelona and Real Madrid caught most attention as Spain enjoyed their golden period that saw them win the 2008 and 2012 Euros, along with the 2010 World Cup, the Premier League also contributed towards those squads.

Whilst many of the established names amongst Spain’s glory period are still involved today – the likes of former Premier League stars Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina are no longer involved – the Premier League retains an influence in the Spanish international set up. For varying reasons there have been some notable exclusions from this squad. Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata were a part of the successful Spanish squads, but after a long term injury it is perhaps no surprise that Cazorla is not involved. Mata, on the other hand, is fit but has struggled to reproduce the form he showed in his first two seasons at Chelsea and for both players this probably signals the end of their international careers.  Diego Costa is another high profile name to miss out, uncertainties over his fitness levels have cost the Chelsea striker his chance this summer.

A few of Costa’s team-mates will be involved though. Defender Cesar Azpilicueta has had a season well below his normally high standards, but is still a key member of the squad and his ability to play either left-back or right-back makes him particularly valuable. Another Stamford Bridge player to have had a below par season is Cesc Fabregas. The enigmatic midfielder was massively influential in his first season at Chelsea, but has struggled to consistently reproduce that form. His talent is without question though and never has been throughout his career. It’s likely that he will be a substitute and be able to offer his quality and ability to change a game late on by opening a team up with his incisive passing. It’s a similar situation with Pedro, who has had a tough period of transition since coming to the Premier League. He is however, another player of unquestionable talent and certainly played his part in the all-conquering Barcelona side under Pep Guardiola. With his pace, technique, movement and composed finishing he gives Vincente Del Bosque another excellent option from the bench to change a game.

Staying in London, Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin has had a good season and although he still has some way to go, his pace and attacking threat will always make him an asset. His defending has also improved, but needs to improve further for International football. The injury to Carvajal has given Bellerin the chance to gain the experience of being part of an international squad at a major tournament and if Spain win both their opening games he may be involved in their final group match. It’s early days in his career and he should benefit from the experience.

David Silva’s season at Manchester City is another that has been hindered by injuries and he only showed his quality in flashes, but he remains a prominent component in the national team. His fitness issues will mean he’s unlikely to start their opening group game, but that exceptional technique, vision and awareness will surely be called upon.

The final Premier League member of Spain’s squad is Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, who has made incredible progress over the past 3 years to become arguably the best in the league and certainly amongst the world’s elite in his position. Incredibly though, Del Bosque is reportedly undecided about who will be Spain’s starting keeper for this tournament, with veteran Iker Casillas the other option. The once great Casillas is in the autumn of his career and sadly, as was seen at the 2014 World Cup, is not the player he once was. If De Gea does get the nod, he has shown Premier League fans just how influential he can be, pulling off a multitude of saves to keep a flailing Manchester United side competitive in recent seasons. With defenders as impulsive as Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique, Spain could well need a top class goalkeeper capable of pulling them out of the mire and De Gea certainly fits that bill.

So, although it may be more peripheral in this tournament, the Premier League influence on Spain at Euro 2016 could still be a vital one.

Arsenal: Who’s Right About Jamie Vardy; Paul Merson Or Ian Wright?

Paul Merson and Ian Wright have had their say on the ongoing debate among Arsenal circles: Does Jamie Vardy fit Arsene Wenger’s style of play? The two disagree, which leads me to the question: Which of the Arsenal legends is right about the Leicester forward?

It is an unusual situation to be in as an Arsenal fan. Being able to speculate about the possibility of a major signing joining the club, dream about how they may fit into the system, the successes and failures of a possible transfer.

This is what Arsenal fans, pundits and ex-players are all doing with the potential signing of Jamie Vardy, and there are some differing opinions on the Leicester City striker.

In particular, ex-Arsenal players Paul Merson and Ian Wright have both had their say on how Vardy will fit into Arsenal’s side, and their positions on the matter are polar opposite. Speaking to Sky Sports, Paul Merson criticized the potential move, stating that he didn’t see how Vardy’s game complimented the philosophy of Wenger:

“It doesn’t fit with me. Arsenal don’t get the ball forward quickly enough. I don’t get the transfer, I really don’t get it. No disrespect to Vardy but his strengths are getting the ball over the top. Teams come onto Leicester and they hit them on the counter. The vast majority of Vardy’s goals came from one-on-one with goalkeepers. Teams kick-off against Arsenal and immediately put 10 behind the ball and they’ve got to try and break them down.”

Merson certainly makes a valid point. Vardy plays to a very specific style, one that Arsenal do not employ. The counter attacking style that Leicester employed early in the season and saw Vardy flourish. However, as the year progressed, opposing teams began to sit deeper and Vardy’s goal scoring exploits did not match his form earlier in the year.

Ian Wright, on the other hand, is adamant that Vardy would succeed at the Emirates. While the aforementioned style clashes are cause for concern, Wright states:

“But if you’re a clever player – and Vardy is – then you have the ability to change your game. The idea you only have one way of playing is as insulting as it’s wrong. And so what if signing Vardy means teams suddenly start dropping deep to stop him getting in behind? If that happens, all it does is leave more space for the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and all those create sorts. I’m delighted to see Arsene going for an English striker who is a proven Premier League goalscorer. And, equally important, someone who is a winner.”

So, we here have two very differing opinions about whether Vardy fits into this Arsenal side. So who’s right?

Well, if you’ve followed any previous posts of mine, you will notice a trend; I am a huge fan of this signing. While there are valid concerns about a clash of styles, there is one thing that Vardy can do irrespective of how the team sets up, and that is score goals.

Vardy is a world class, proven Premier League goalscorer. He does not only possess great pace, is an excellent runner of the channels and a nuisance to any center half, but he is absolutely lethal in front of goal. Vardy can score a wide range of goals, he is an outstanding finisher, unlike current starting forward for Arsenal, Olivier Giroud.

This is why this would be such a good signing. Style concerns are fair, but they ultimately do not stack up to Vardy’s ability to ripple the net. He is the very best in the business, and he could well fire Arsenal to the Premier League title… if he joins.

Arsenal Transfer News: Prem club open to offers for star, Cazorla exit, £20m defender move

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Watford striker Odion Ighalo, according to reports. 

The 26-year-old has been attracting interest from the Gunners as they look to bolster their attacking ranks for next season, with West Ham and Manchester United also keen on the Nigerian. 

And The Sun claim Watford will now listen to offers from clubs for Ighalo. 

Watford sports consultant Nicola Salerno gave the green light on his potential departure when he said: "Everything will depend on what offers we get for Ighalo. He is an extraordinary player who could interest a lot of clubs.”

Meanwhile, Santi Cazorla could be set for the exit door at Arsenal, according to reports. 

The Spaniard has been one of the Gunners’ key players, but has endured an injury-hit season with a knee injury in November preventing him from playing since. 

And the Daily Star claim Villarreal are now monitoring the 31-year-old’s situation and could make a move for him in the summer - despite his injury woes. 

Cazorla spent three years at Villarreal earlier in his career and could be set for a return with his contract set to run out at the end of next season.

Finally, Arsenal are reportedly locked in a three-way battle to sign Bayern Munich Medhi Benatia. 

Benatia recently admitted he could leave Bayern, which has put the Gunners on alert. 

However, Italian website CalcioMercato claim Roma and Juventus are considering making bids for him in the summer after it emerged Benatia would be keen on a return to the Serie A. 

Benatia, who played for Udinese and Roma during a four-year stretch in Italy, is understood to command a fee of around £20million. 

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could move for Benatia as he looks to restructure his defence after another failed Premier League title bid. 

Arsene Wenger: Injury update on Aaron Ramsey, Laurent Koscielny and Santi Cazorla

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will wait until the very last minute before taking a decision on whether to start with Laurent Koscielny against Watford.

The Gunners host Quique Sanchez Flores' side on Sunday at the Emirates with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista both expected to be fit.

Midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla will only be back from injury next month.

"From the Hull game we lost [Aaron] Ramsey. Gabriel [Paulista] and [Per] Mertesacker came off injured but should be available," Wenger said.

"[Laurent] Koscielny is not far. Will I risk him or not? There is a little medical risk but I have not made a decision yet."
- Arsene Wenger"[Laurent] Koscielny is not far. Will I risk him or not? There is a little medical risk but I have not made a decision yet.

"[Francis] Coquelin is coming back from suspension and Bellerin was not in the squad. He is now available.

"[If they trained?] Gabriel no, Mertesacker yes. I don't think they have lost too much fitness. We will see. I will make a decision tomorrow. My gut feeling is that Gabriel will join in tomorrow and be available.

"I don't believe that [Aaron Ramsey will be out for the season]. At the moment his clinical signs are quite positive. I would say four weeks.

"He [Laurent Koscielny] has to join in normal training tomorrow and then it is for me to [decide whether] take a gamble on a guy that has had one training session with the group or not.

"They [Petr Cech, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla] are all progressing nicely, but this week and next week they have no chance."

Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla says having his own song is the highlight of his career

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has claimed that having his own song is the highlight of his career so far.

The Spain international, who is favourite among the Emirates faithful, has been out of action since the end of November but is expected to return on April 2.

‘Having my own song is the best moment in my career. I can only say thank you so much,’ Cazorla said in a question and answer session on Twitter.

Arsene Wenger will be hoping the 31-year-old gets back to full fitness on schedule as the Gunners battle Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Gooners should be chanting Cazorla’s name again very shortly if reports are to believed.

English Premier League international break: How EPL stars fared during Euro Qualifiers and friendlies

THE international football is done and dusted for another month, with players returning to their clubs.

Some players will be buzzing after steering their side to qualification success or for their individual performances. But there will be some Premier League managers ruing the fact their players went away, with a slew of stars picking up injuries.

Here’s our look at how your EPL club’s key players fared over the international break …

ARSENAL

We wonder if Arsene Wenger had his fingers and toes crossed when news emerged of Alexis Sanchez being cursed by a Peruvian witch doctor. We kid you not, the Chile star was the target of darK arts ahead of his side’s World Cup qualifier on Wednesday morning.

But it didn’t really work, with Sanchez netting twice in the 4-3 win. That came off the back of his 90th goal against Brazil, helping his side to a 2-0 win.

Mesut Ozil played two full 90s for Germany in wins over Ireland and Georgia while there were plenty of goalscorers — Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud were all on the scoresheet.

ASTON VILLA

There was extra time heartbreak for Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan. The USA were up against Mexico in a CONCACAF Confederations Cup playoff but a 118th minute goal consigned them to a 3-2 loss.

BOURNEMOUTH

Goalkeeper Artur Boruc sat on the bench for both of Poland’s Euro qualifiers against Ireland and Scotland. That meant Scottish Bournemouth teammate Matt Richie instead scored past Lukasz Fabianski in the 2-2 draw. Adam Federici was between the sticks for Australia in their loss to Jordan.

CHELSEA

We’ll start with the bad on the Chelsea front — Nemanja Matic was sent off for an intentional elbow in Serbia’s loss to Portugal. Matic had earlier played 73 minutes against Albania, where fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic was hooked after the hour mark.

Things were mixed for Cesc Fabregas, who got an assist against Luxembourg but missed a penalty v Ukraine, while Eden Hazard helped Belgium to the world number one ranking with two goals in games against Andorra and Israel.

Willian continued his fine form, scoring twice for Brazil against Venezuela.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Wayne Hennessey will be high on confidence. The Palace goalkeeper has started the last two EPL games and played his part in Wales qualifying for Euro 2016 — he got full games v Bosnia and Herzegovina and Andorra. Joe Ledley was also involved in the game against Andorra.

Yohan Cabaye was also in action, on target in France’s 4-0 win over Armenia.

EVERTON

Ross Barkley has transferred his impressive Premier League form onto the international stage, getting a goal and an assist in his two starts for England against Estonia and Lithuania.

John Stones was supposed to join him on England duty, but injury forced his withdrawal, but fellow defender Phil Jagielka got a full 90 minutes under his belt in the Lithuania win.

Also involved was Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy for Ireland, shocking Germany 1-0, while Romelu Lukaku started in Belgium’s win over Israel.

LEICESTER

Kasper Schmeichel was between the sticks for Denmark twice during the international break, while in form striker Jamie Vardy was rewarded with a full 90 minutes against Lithuania for England.

Japan’s Shinji Okazaki netted in a 3-0 win over Jordan, also coming off the bench against Iran on Wednesday.

LIVERPOOL

Four Liverpool player got minutes for England — with James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne, Danny Ings and Adam Lallana in action. But there was bad news for Joe Gomez, who picked up a season-ending injury playing for England Under 21s.

Simon Mignolet was between the sticks for Belgium in their wins over Israel and Andorra while Martin Skrtel helped Slovakia through Euro qualifications with a 4-2 win over Luxembourg. Mamadou Sakho played in France’s friendly win over Armenia.

MANCHESTER CITY

Aleksandar Kolorov lost the plot in Serbia’s loss to Portugal. Having earlier provided and assist for their first goal, the left back was then sent off for two yellow cards … BOTH coming within a minute of his substitution. Kolorov had scored a 91st minute against Albania in the previous game.

But that wasn’t the worst of things on the City front, with Sergio Aguero and David Silvapicking up injuries.

On the positive side, there were goals for Raheem Sterling (v Estonia) and Kevin De Bruyne(v Andorra and Israel), while Vincent Kompany got 60 minutes under his belt for Belgium.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Juan Mata might be in fine form for Manchester United but it wasn’t enough for him to break into the Spain starting XI, the playmaker twice coming off the bench against Ukraine and Luxembourg. In the game against Ukraine, goalkeeper David De Gea was in fine form, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 win.

New star Anthony Martial played 88 minutes for France in the friendly win over Denmark while Daley Blind and Memphis Depay could do nothing during the Netherlands’ 3-2 loss to the Czech Republic as they crashed out of Euro qualifying.

The best of the bunch was Matteo Darmianwho scored his first ever goal for Italy in a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan before starting the next game against Norway.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Rock bottom and now without their goalkeeper, Newcastle have been dealt a blow with the season-ending injury to Tim Krul. He was in action for the Netherlands against Kazakhstan, a game where teammate Georginio Wijnaldum found the back of the net. Wijnaldum also played the full game against the Czech Republic, which the Dutch lost 3-2.

NORWICH CITY

Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan played a part in Ireland’s shock win over Germany in Euro qualifying. The duo both played the full game there, while Brady also played the full game against Poland. Also in action, Alexander Tettey scored two goals in two games for Norway v Italy and Malta.

SOUTHAMPTON

Graziano Pelle netted a late winner for Italy against Norway on Wednesday, seeing out the full 90 minutes. Also getting a full game under his belt was England’s Ryan Bertrand, continuing his return from injury against Estonia.

Shane Long scored the winner for Ireland v Germany after coming off the bench in the final half hour. He was then rewarded with a start in the following game against Poland, only to be stretchered off with an injury.

STOKE

Stoke’s Irish contingent got plenty of action over the international break, with Glen Whelan,Jon Walters (scored v Poland) and Shay Given (started and injured v Germany) involved.

Their best player so far, Jack Butland, was reward for his fine form with a second England cap and a clean sheet against Lithuania. Also, winger Marko Arnautovic scored in both of Austria’s games against Montenegro and Liechtenstein.

SUNDERLAND

John O’Shea just about got two full games under his belt. Marshalling the Ireland defence in their 1-0 win over Germany, the defender got sent off for a second yellow in the 92nd minute of the 2-1 loss to Poland.

Steven Fletcher notched up four goals, including a hat-trick against European minnows Gibraltar, while Swedish duoSebastian Larsson and Ola Toivonen saw minutes against Moldova and Liechtenstein.

SWANSEA

Ashley Williams was in the heart of defence for Wales against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Andorra as they celebrated breaking their international hoodoo by qualifying for Euro 2016. Also making it through to the end of season tournament was Gylfi Sigurdsson’sIceland — the midfielder scored against Latvia in the 2-2 draw.

Also on target was Ki Sung-yueng in a friendly against Jamaica while Jonjo Shelvey started in England’s win over Lithuania.

TOTTENHAM

Belgium trio Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Nacer Chadli were part of their nation’s success in reaching world number one but their feats were outdone by Dele Alli, who made his England debut over the international break.

The 19-year-old came off the bench for the final two minutes of England’s win over Estonia and later saw 25 minutes off the bench against Lithuania, a game where Kyle Walker got an assist. Harry Kane also netted a goal and an assist against Lithuania.

England's Harry Kane celebrates with Ross Barkley after scoring v Lithuania.Source: AFP

WATFORD

Reserve goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis saw three goals fly past him and into Lithuania’s goal in the loss to England, Jose Holebas played a full game for Greece against Northern Ireland and Odion Ighalo scored off the bench for Nigeria in their friendly win against Cameroon.

WEST BROM

Salomon Rondon’s Venezuela lost to both Paraguay and Brazil, with the striker playing two full games, Darren Fletcher played 74 minutes for Scotland against Poland and Chris Bruntwas part of Northern Ireland’s historic qualification for Euro 2016 — he played 180 minutes against Greece and Finland.

WEST HAM

Darren Randolph had an eventful game for Ireland against Germany, coming off the bench for injured goalkeeper Shay Given before setting up the assist for Shane Long’s shock winner. He then backed up with a full game against Poland but couldn’t stop Robert Lewandowski from scoring … again!