by Lewis Ambrose

It’s incredibly rare to see a player equally proficient with both feet, but that’s what Santi Cazorla is.

Since joining Arsenal in the summer of 2013 the Spanish midfield has become a fan favourite, in no small part down to his ability to use his left and right feet just as well as each other.

Even at the very highest level players seem reluctant to use their weaker foot even when they have little option, but Cazorla even chooses to switch feet from dead ball situations to get the best result.

Speaking at the launch of the new Arsenal home kit, Cazorla explained how hard work and a chance injury have led to his ‘weaker’ left foot being as deadly as his right.

Preferred

“I have always preferred the right foot, ever since I was younger,” said the midfielder.

That much seems obvious, with the Spaniard scoring the majority of his goals – including the penalties he takes – with his right foot

“I was a little bit hurt in my right ankle once, and that is when I started to use my left foot a lot more.

“Being able to use both feet is something that came quite naturally to me ever since I started playing.

“It is something I continuously work on in a very strong manner to ensure that my level never gets any lower.”

Hard work is clearly at the very centre of Cazorla’s high technical ability.

“After training sessions I would stay an extra half-an-hour and kick the ball against the wall with my weaker foot over and over again to make sure it becomes stronger and better.”

Reward

Now the midfielder is reaping the rewards of that hard work. The ability to excel with both feet coupled with exceptional close control has allowed Cazorla to play in the middle of the park.

The Spaniard scored eight goals for Arsenal in all competitions last season and assisted a further 15 – it’s beyond doubt that his hard work has paid off.