Wenger: Ambidextrous Santi is an example

Santi Cazorla is a man of many talents, but there is one that stands out for Arsene Wenger - his ambidextrousness.

Although technically right-footed, the playmaker is equally adept on his left and has taken corners with both feet this season.

Cazorla has earned plaudits during his first six months at Arsenal, and Wenger is pleased with the impact the 28-year-old has made.

“Where he stands out is his outstanding technical talent,” the manager told Arsenal Player. “Where he is absolutely fantastic as well is his love for the game. He loves football.

“His low centre of gravity and change of direction makes him a little bit like Jack. Both of them have that extreme quality that can destabilise any opponent.

“He is so ambidextrous. I know that he is right-footed but you don’t see a real difference between right and left.

“I would say for a midfielder, it is absolutely vital to be ambidextrous today. In the education, that is something for the midfielders that we have to make absolutely compulsory at a very young age now.

“He plays a bit higher up with freedom. Maybe when you get older, you become a bit more efficient. You realise that when you have so much talent, you’re always tempted to do the little trick.

“When you have more experience, you realise that what is important is to be efficient with the talent you have. I believe that this season, for a first season in England, he has been absolutely outstanding.”