Jack Wilshere has surprisingly named former Arsenal team-mate Santi Cazorla as the best player he ever played despite featuring alongside a list of household names at the Gunners.
The midfielder played at Arsenal for 10 years up until leaving in 2018 having initially come through the club's academy system and developing into a fan's favourite.
During his time at the Emirates Stadium he played with a range of world class players including Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas.
But the 29-year-old insists despite their skill, the technical brilliance of the pint-sized Cazorla left the former England international in awe.
Wilshere told talkSPORT Edge: 'He could use both feet, he was only 5ft 5ins and he would just run between players and he was a joy to watch.'
While Wilshere's admission may surprise those outside of Arsenal, his words will not shock former manager Arsene Wenger.
Back in 2013, Wenger believed the 37-year-old, who is currently playing in Qatar, was one of the Premier League's most under rated players.
'I think he is a bit of an under-rated player in the Premier League,' Wenger said of Cazorla on the Arsenal website.
'When you think he was not in the team of the season picked by the players, it's quite harsh. Personally I would have put him in there.
'When you look at his quality, that is of course outstanding, but also his attitude and work rate for the team. He is one of the players who has been absolutely outstanding this season.'
Like Wilshere, Cazorla also left Arsenal in 2018 after suffering from injuries but briefly revived his career at Villarreal before joining Al Sadd in 2020.
Meanwhile, Wilshere also revealed that former team-mate Fabregas had a huge winning mentality which continued even during training where he would berate coaches for calls going against him.
'He always wanted to win,' he added.
'He was a winner and in training games, one of the coaches would make a decision and if it was the wrong decision he would hammer them!'
Noaaciopty
1
Arsenal vs Norwich
FaithEvans
2
He played with a wrong team, that's why he was underrated. The team that has nothing to do with success. I will never forget names like Carzola Arshavin, Rosisky, Cesc Fabregas, Nasir and many other quality players that have played for Arsenal.
And Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min are playing for the right team, right?... Cazorla played champions league football every year he played with us, was runner-up in the league once, just like Spurs and he won trophies, unlike Spurs. What else should he do to be properly rated?
vnsakashsingh
2
ooooooo Santi cazorla
nutmegprince
2
Still think he’s the best midfielder I’ve ever seen in an arsenal shirt
Tuadinoptu
3
He played with a wrong team, that's why he was underrated. The team that has nothing to do with success. I will never forget names like Carzola Arshavin, Rosisky, Cesc Fabregas, Nasir and many other quality players that have played for Arsenal.
Daccdkmt
2
Santi Cazorla, the little football demon and magician. When he left Arsenal, Ozil wasn't performing that much again, people didn't know the secret behind it.
FemiBalogun
4
name another midfielder in nowadays football who play both legs and better than Cazorla,im not surprised at all for Wilshire opinion because I watch Cazorla play for Villarreal, arsenal and Spain national team
yupeikmorz
3
my favourite during his time
dapeinrz
4
For is one of best player ever and i will tell my child abt him too
lord_henry-14
0
Anyone who watched him would say so.
His dribbling was lit
palesta
5
Arsenal's bad luck. Carzola is one player they could have fulfilled arsenal dream of lifting the league but injury couldn't let him
Rondiklos
6
Cazorla and rosicky r the players who whom arsenal fans never booo I love 💗 dem too much
sazdeipz
2
He was a magician with Arsenal those year
Nikadnorsy
2
Santi is a joy to watch loved by many Arsenal fans I love ❤️ him
SawHotz
3
Anyone who watched him would say so.