Arsenal: Dani Ceballos is the most Santi Cazorla since Santi Cazorla

Arsenal saw a masterclass from Dani Ceballos, and it was so eerily reminiscent of Santi Cazorla that it might as well have been Santi Cazorla.

Arsenal weren’t perfect against Burnley, but one man nearly was—Dani Ceballos. In the wake of Granit Xhaka‘s injury, Ceballos got the start and what he did with it was nothing short of magic. Or… nothing short of Santi Cazorla. (How many times can I compare the two? Let’s find out).

Ceballos was the constant presence that we needed him to be, and that we’ve needed ever since Santi Cazorla left the club. His undying energy isn’t as reckless as Matteo Guendouzi‘s, but it’s honed, like Cazorla. When he has the ball, he’s deadly, and tied for the team lead with four completed dribbles. His quick, spinning presence over the ball is… like Cazorla.

While a lot of Ceballos’ performance can be quantified by stats, I want to start with what can’t be. Because, like Cazorla, if you only take him at his stats, you’re missing at least half of what makes him truly special.

Naturally, I’m speaking of the play where Ceballos had the ball deep in his own half and, rather than panic, he spun, spun, went to ground, got up, spun and drove forward, all without losing possession of the ball for a second.

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It was so similar to what Cazorla did against Manchester City in a play that we will never forget.

And like Cazorla, Ceballos has that never-say-die attitude that creates magic out of seemingly nothing. For instance, when Arsenal lost possession and, rather than quit and go blend into the crowd, Ceballos attacked Burnley, won possession for a split second, and that’s all he needed to find Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for an assist.

A goal from nothing. Who else would have stuck with the play that enthusiastically, but also with such precision?

That’s easy: Santi Cazorla.

Back to the stats, Ceballos dominated. He led, or tied for the team lead, in created chances (4), dribbles completed (4) and tackles won (2). What else do you want a midfielder to do? And that’s what we always said about Cazorla too, isn’t it? What else do you want him to do? He does everything.

Yes, I am worried about the fact that he is only on loan, because after seeing him perform like that, and assuming he can produce similar quality throughout the year, I’m terrified of losing him. Already.

Also, if you were wondering, that was nine comparisons to Santi Cazorla.