Former Gunner: Arsenal new boy an upgrade on Fabregas

Former Malaga man Santi Cazorla looks a shrewd signing by Wenger . Photo: Jon Buckle/PA

Tuesday, August 28, 2012
9:01 AM

Martin Keown has heaped praise on Santi Cazorla

Arsenal legend Martin Keown thinks Santi Cazorla is a better player than former captain Cesc Fabregas.

The 26-year-old Spanish playmaker has impressed for the Gunners in his first two Premier League appearances, and Keown is excited by what he brings to the team, claiming he is better with the ball than his compatriot Fabregas.

“[Cazorla] looks a fantastic talent and his class is there for everyone to see straight away,” Keown told the Daily Mail.

“He is Liam Brady and Cesc Fabregas rolled into one: he has Brady’s shooting ability and Fabregas’s vision.

“He’s better than Fabregas with the ball too - he moves it so quickly, which is shown by the fact he’s had more touches in the opposition half than any player so far this season.

He is tough to defend against too as if you close him down, he’ll thread a ball through to the strikers and if you back off, he’ll shoot.