Arsenal: Jack Wilshere is Santi Cazorla – but that has limitations

Arsenal have needed “the next Santi Cazorla” for a few years now, but despite it being Jack Wilshere, there may still be accompanying limitations.

It’s no wonder that so many Arsenal fans are daydreaming about how life could be different if only Santi Cazorla was healthy. The Spanish magician was purely world class and was the ideal midfield pivot. He had such close control that there was minimal risk of him losing the ball.

Plus, his creative eye allowed him to pick out the best possible pass as he moved forward, while also providing a deeper option to fall back on.

Replacing him was never going to be easy, but the Gunners may be on the right track to doing so with Jack Wilshere. The Englishman is starting to hone his similar skill set that includes, but is not limited to, very deft control in tight spaces and a quick burst to push play forward.

Related Story: 4 Players Who Just Weren't Up For The North London Derby

It’s not something that a lot of guys can do. Aaron Ramsey can be a bit reckless, Granit Xhaka isn’t quick enough. But Wilshere has it down pat. He has this crucial pivot role down, which is fantastic, but it also has limitations.

Just ask Santi Cazorla.

Check out the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast!

Arsene Wenger has spoke openly about needing Wilshere to contribute to more goals. He has the ability, we all see that. But he’s never put up more than three goals and four assists in a single season. 

The pivot role may not help him alter that.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Santi Cazorla had 23 goals and 30 in his first three seasons as an attacking midfielder. Then he switched to the pivot role and dropped to two goals and fives assists in what equated to about one season across two years, given his injuries.

The point is, there was a major drop off in direct goal contribution and the only thing that changed is where he was positioned on the pitch.

It seemed like Wilshere was destined to play an attacking role from a young age, which would have facilitated the 12 goal, 11 assist years like we saw out of Cazorla. But now that he is playing the pivot, and that looks to be the long-term plan, it may hinder his potential to score goals and nab assists.

After all, not everyone is like Ramsey, a marauding goal machine with the instincts of a demigod.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Tottenham

There’s nothing wrong with Wilshere not producing the goals and assists that he might produce playing further forward. The pivot role is just as important, if not a bit more unglorified given the lack of accompanying stats.