Santi Cazorla was a two-footed playmaker of rare balance, a small, low-centred midfielder who could open a defence with either foot without giving away which he favoured. He made his name at Villarreal, whose passing football suited his gifts, before spells at Recreativo and Málaga and a productive move to Arsenal.
In north London he became a creative fulcrum, threading passes and striking free-kicks before a serious ankle injury cost him years of his prime. He returned to Villarreal to finish his club career and won the European Championship twice with Spain, in 2008 and 2012.