Cazorla: Gers clash is a miracle after crock
Santi Cazorla reckons it’s a miracle he’s even playing again after his injury nightmare at Arsenal. And the playmaker admits it will be a dream for him to return to European action against Rangers. The 33-year-old was one of the most talented Premier League midfielders of his generation in a six-year stint at the Emirates. But in 2016 the Spaniard suffered ankle and Achilles injuries that blighted his last two seasons. After eight ops he left London at the end of his contract and returned to El Madrigal in the summer. Cazorla is now fit to play again having featured in Villarreal’s first three La Liga fixtures. And the former Spain international told MailSport: “It will be a dream to play against Rangers in the Europa League because it means I’m back playing in a European competition. “That’s very emotional for me after the injury hell at Arsenal. It’s a miracle I’m in the right condition now to play in this game. “But I always had hope I’d get to live these moments again – that was my challenge. “And now I want to enjoy every instant. It won’t be about me on Thursday night, it’s not a personal show. “The coach needs me to help my teammates and that’s what I want to do.” Villarreal have yet to win a game in La Liga, having lost two at home. Cazorla played in Britain long enough to know the kind of test they’ll face but he’s adamant the Spaniards should still have enough in their locker to win. . He said: “I know about out Scottish football from m my time in the Premier er League and I’m convinced it won’t be e easy against Rangers. rs.
“I’ve spoken to some me friends who know about Rangers and this won’t be a comfortable ble match for us. There are no easy rivals in the Europa League now. .
“Of course I feel Villarreal are superior or to Rangers but it’s necessary for us to demonstrate that on the pitch.
“With the help of our ur fans on Thursday we can win but I’m expecting a tough match.
“The football in Scotlandcotland has has improved in recent years. We’re favourites to win because of our style of play. But we haven’t shown that yet this season so it’s difficult to say it.”
Steven Gerrard had regular tussles with the little playmaker when Liverpool faced Arsenal.
And the Ibrox boss says the measure of Cazorla is he held his own beside legends like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
He said: “Cazorla was murder to play against. He’s a top player. He has a very low centre of gravity and could manipulate the ball with either foot.
“He played in the best Spanish side of all time – in the starting XI – so he deserves respect. I know he’s had injury problems of late but hewas he was so tough to play against. Not tough in terms of pressing you, getting in your face or being aggressive. But you go near him and he’ll pass it round you. He can make fun of you with either foot, a top manipulator of the ball.”
Gerrard has done his homework and will have a spy at their game against Leganes today.
He said: “If you look at the league here, we haven’t got the points we’ve deserved either. “So it would be disrespectful to write off Villarreal and think because they haven’t started well we can beat them. We’re away from home against a tough team who will be excellent technically.”