Thursday 8 October 2015 16:59, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he had doubts over whether to sign Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla from Malaga.
Wenger was worried that Cazorla would be unable to handle the physical demands of English football, but said the Spaniard's technical quality convinced him he was a risk worth taking.
"You could question whether he was physically equipped to play in the tough Premier League. It's true that I had that doubt, but his quality was so big that I was ready to take that gamble," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.
The 30-year-old has quietly emerged as a creative hub for Wenger's side, racking up 32 assists in the Premier League, more than any other player since he joined the Gunners in the summer of 2012.
The Spain international won Arsenal's player of the year award 10 months after his arrival on English shores.
Cazorla's future at Arsenal lies in the centre of the pitch due to his vision and ability to use both feet, Wenger has said.
Wenger, who played Cazorla on the flanks upon the arrival of club's record signing Mesut Ozil two years ago, added that the 30-year-old's experience will be vital in a central role.
He said: "Yes [his permanent role will be in the middle]. He's at an age where he has experience and where it's a bit more difficult on the flanks.
"His technical quality, vision and experience are very important central."
The Frenchman concluded: "His technical quality, his right foot, left foot, his availability, his vision and the quality of his passing made me go for it. He's a fantastic example that no matter how tall you are, it's about how good you are".
