Arsenal vs Newcastle: 5 things to watch for in season opener

3. Dani Ceballos impact

Everyone wants to talk about Nicolas Pepe, but I’m over here thrilled like the string of a lyre (Lord Byron, anyone?) that we have a Santi Cazorla-esque midfielder who can do what we’ve needed midfielders to do ever since Aaron Ramsey left—Aaron Ramsey things.

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Aside from the occasional flop, I was quite happy with what I saw from Dani Ceballos in the preseason. Dude has some seriously quick feet and a quick mind to go along with. He reminds me a bit of Isco in his ability to dwell over the ball, lure defenders into a false sense of security and dance around them with relative ease.

That’s a role that we needed filled desperately, so now it’s just a matter of how quickly he can start making his impact on the club. Whether he is starting or comes on as a sub, we should expect to see the Spaniard, and I would be surprised if we didn’t see an immediate change whenever he’s on the pitch.

Having that Wilshere ability to drive from deep is a crucial skill set, and if Ceballos can perfect it and stay healthy, he could prove to be one of the best signings of the summer.

Please fold your hands and bow your heads as we move to No. 2.