Following an eye-catching start to life at Arsenal, fans have been drawing comparisons between new signing Dani Ceballos and ex-Gunners favorite and fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla.
Cazorla spent six years at Arsenal and made 180 appearances for the club, but his time at the Emirates was cut short following a serious injury.
While it is still early days, Ceballos has already shown many similarities to Cazorla in his style of play.
The 23-year-old is a ‘box-to-box' midfielder, much like Cazorla, and is extremely calm in possession, rarely giving the ball away. Both players are also known for their creativity and passing ability.
Ceballos enjoyed a dream home debut for Arsenal against Burnley as the Spaniard provided assists for both of his team’s goals in a 2-1 victory.
He received a standing ovation from the crowd when he was substituted in the final moments of the game after a man of the match performance.
Although Arsenal were beaten by Liverpool in the following match, Ceballos was one of the Gunner’s shining lights and showed glimpses of real quality.
Ceballos is also considered to be the perfect replacement for Aaron Ramsey following the Welshman’s move to Juventus in the summer transfer window.
Ramsey left the club after almost 10 years in London and while fans were unhappy that Arsenal failed to keep hold of him, Ceballos may soften the blow somewhat.
Dani Ceballos has been quick to play down expectations but if he continues to put in such high-quality performances, the comparisons will keep on coming.
Arsenal will be hoping to sign him on a permanent deal following the midfielder’s season-long loan from Real Madrid.
He has six Spain caps to his name but has struggled to compete for a place in Real Madrid’s first-team with so many big names at the club.
The Gunners ability to secure Champions League football this season could be a huge deciding factor in Cabellos’ decision to stay, or return to Madrid to fight for his place.
We are only three matches in to the 2019/20 Premier League season but Dani Ceballos has already made a big impression on England’s top-flight.
While the comparisons to Santi Cazorla may be a little premature, if Ceballos build on his excellent start, he too could become an Arsenal cult hero.