Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla have both had their moments of brilliance for Arsenal this season. They have both also shared some difficult moments, due to Arsenal's lack of consistency.
Both players have their own brilliance and shining star when they are on the pitch, but both have come out publicly to state how wonderful and important the other is to Arsenal Football Club. Is Santi Cazorla more important to Arsenal's style of play, or is Jack's tackling and drive in the midfield a must for Arsene Wenger's side?
When you take a look at the stats, Santi Cazorla will take the prize, but that does not always mean that a player is the most important. The Spanish international has quickly become a fan favorite at Arsenal, and his trickery along with his ability to shoot with both feet have caused problems for opponents.
Arsenal's latest match ended with two goals from Cazorla, earning him the man of the match against Aston Villa.
In total, Cazorla has contributed 11 goals in the Premier League and six assists to boot. He can not only score, but his vision and ability to get teammates on the end of a goal scoring opportunity is incredible.
Cazorla's contributions to the team have not only brought him praise from the manager and the media, but Jack Wilshere believes that he brings more to the table for Arsenal than their former captain, Cesc Fabregas.
"He is a dream to play with," said Wilshere after Arsenal defeated Tottenham 5-2 at the Emirates earlier in the season.
"He was different class. There was one point when there were three players around him and he just dribbled out of it. That is up there with the best. He is a different player to Cesc. Cesc is more of a passer. With Santi, he can pick the ball up and beat people. He has a great shot."
So while Wilshere is praising his new teammate, Cazorla has also taken the time to offer some kind words about the 21-year-old England international. Although Wilshere spent some part of the season injured, since he returned to the squad, his presence is felt, as is his passion.
"He has everything, a mix," Cazorla told reporters. "He wins a lot of balls, then in attack, he makes things happen. I'm sure he is going to become much better."
"His way of playing complements my own. In fact, we play in similar positions and that makes it easier for us to establish a greater understanding."
Both players have their style of football, but Wilshere's ability to defend and lay it all on the line could be the difference between them. Cazorla is still adapting to a role where he is asked to defend and track back, where at Malaga, or even on the Spanish National Team, he did not have to do that very often.
At Arsenal, when Arsenal does not have the ball, Arsene Wenger asks a lot of his men. Everyone behind the ball, putting pressure on the opponent. Applying that pressure and having to get back is something Cazorla will eventually get used to, but Wilshere does not seem to have lost a step, although he was out injured for quite some time.
He will go into any tackle, will challenge every ball, and he will make sure that he leaves the pitch with not an ounce of energy in his system. An in form Jack Wilshere brings back great memories of players like Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva. They may have been slightly bigger from a physical aspect, but Wilshere's heart and determination makes up for all of that.
Comparing these two players is in some ways unfair to both, but they both are the best in their own way.
Santi's vision of the game is up there with the best of them, while Wilshere's passion on the pitch is something you can not describe. He takes every defeat personally, and he at times lets his emotions get the best of him, but his teammates can always count on him to help pick them up.
Wilshere is only 21-years-old, while Cazorla is 28. The Spanish midfielder has had the chance to play with some of the world's greatest, and has had more time to learn things that Wilshere is just starting to become aware of. But, at the moment, Wilshere would appear to be the complete package.
As Cazorla said, "He's young and has a spectacular future ahead of him and he also has a lot of room to mature and develop. I have no doubt he is going to be even more important here in the future."
Is Jack Wilshere the complete package? Could he go on to become a legend at Arsenal Football Club? Be sure to leave your opinion below.
