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Arsenal: Santi Cazorla, Per Mertesacker situations completely different
By Henry Payne
The predicaments that Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker currently face at Arsenal seem similar on the surface. In reality, they are entirely different.
Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker are part of the furniture at Arsenal Football Club. They have been at the Emirates since 2012 and 2011 respectively, but they are both facing incredibly uncertain futures.
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Both men have endured long spells on the sidelines this season, yet in spite of this, both have been handed contract extensions. While I can begrudgingly wrap my head around Cazorla’s extension (see December 2016), I cannot fathom why Mertesacker was handed renewed terms.
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I would like to point out that in no way do I think that Per Mertesacker is substandard, nonetheless, I have expressed my reasons as to why he should not have been offered a new contract.
However, I disagree with the claim that Cazorla’s extension would have a similar effect on players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey. First of all, Chamberlain, Wilshere and Ramsey all have well-documented injury histories. Secondly, Cazorla has the quality to be a difference-maker and would make a valid claim to start every week, if he were healthy.
Sure, Cazorla has his limitations. His small frame, lack of pace and his reliance on his central midfield partner to be the enforcer are well noted, but no one else can match his first touch, quick feet and vision.
The argument that the Gunners should move on from both Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla stems from the notion that you cannot contribute from the sidelines. This is entirely true but while there are huge calls for a dramatic turnover in personnel at the club. Cazorla should not be part of the exodus. Paying his wage is not a waste because he still has so much to offer, even at his age.
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Experience is overrated. Elite quality is something you cannot replace. That is the difference in this situation between Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla.