Cazorla names all-time XI, picks only one Villarreal team-mate | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Santi Cazorla has named his all-time XI of team-mates, picking only one Villarreal player, goalkeeper Diego López, with whom he shared several seasons at the club.

A legend of Villarreal, Oviedo and Spanish football, Cazorla is still in La Liga at 41 after a severe injury at Arsenal that almost ended his career. He returned to Villarreal for two seasons, starred in 2019/20 with 10 goals and 11 assists, then left for Qatari football a year before their Europa League triumph.

He rejoined Oviedo two seasons ago to chase promotion, missing out first time then succeeding the next. This season survival looks very difficult for the Asturian club, and he is probably enjoying his last top-flight campaign. He received a heartfelt tribute at La Cerámica on matchday one, a game that finished 2-0.

At the weekend Oviedo marked their centenary at the Carlos Tartiere, with Marcos Senna, Héctor Font, Javi Venta, Xisco Nadal, Carlos Marchena and Jesús Unanua taking part. Senna, now Villarreal’s director of institutional relations, presented Cazorla with a retro shirt bearing his name and the number 8.

He has also played with elite keepers such as Iker Casillas and Peter Cech.

His defence featured Sergio Ramos, Puyol and Koscienly. Midfield was Iniesta, Xavi, Silva and Ozil. Up front he named David Villa and Joaquín, with Giroud leading the line from their Arsenal days.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo