According to a report by Football London on Friday, October 23, 2026, Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has identified former Arsenal teammate Santi Cazorla as the best footballer he has played alongside, despite sharing the pitch and dressing room with several renowned players throughout his professional career.

Iwobi made close to 150 appearances for Arsenal before moving to Everton and eventually joining Fulham. During his time in English football, the Nigerian international encountered numerous talented players, including Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott. However, when asked to name the finest player he had played with, he chose the Spanish midfielder.

The 29-year-old's selection highlights the lasting impression Cazorla made on his former teammates. Known for his remarkable technical ability, creativity, close control and intelligence, the Spaniard established himself as one of Arsenal's most admired midfielders after arriving from Malaga for approximately £15 million.

Although injuries disrupted parts of his career in north London, Cazorla consistently demonstrated exceptional quality whenever he was available. His ability to dictate the tempo of matches, create opportunities and operate comfortably in tight spaces earned him widespread admiration among Arsenal supporters.

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott recently praised Cazorla while discussing Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki and his impressive ability to use both feet.

“I’m gonna completely separate all these charges that Man City have,” Walcott said. “Rayan Cherki, after Santi Cazorla, has the — he’s two-footed, right? It’s amazing. I don’t even know which is his best foot.”

Walcott's comments underline the rare technical quality that made Cazorla stand out. He also admired Cherki's composure, movement and finishing, noting that the youngster's abilities extended beyond simply striking the ball powerfully.

Another former Arsenal midfielder, Jack Wilshere, previously expressed similar admiration for Cazorla, particularly when recalling their training sessions under former manager Arsene Wenger.

“The best ever I think for training was Santi Cazorla,” Wilshere said, emphasising the Spaniard's outstanding technique, intelligent passing combinations and remarkable two-footed ability.

Wilshere explained that Cazorla's understanding of football allowed him to manoeuvre through congested areas and execute difficult technical moves with remarkable ease.

Iwobi's choice further demonstrates Cazorla's enduring influence on players who shared the pitch with him. Despite the injuries that restricted his Arsenal career, the Spaniard remains a memorable figure because of his creativity, versatility and exceptional midfield qualities. His reputation continues to command respect among former teammates and supporters alike.