While most of the Arsenal squad are relishing the chance to face Didier Drogba in our clash against the MLS All-Stars in the USA, Nacho Monreal is looking forward to playing against another player.

Nacho was full of praise for former Barcelona star, David Villa, recently, even referring to him as ‘the star’ of the team and ‘one of the best’ in the world.

“He is a truly great player,” The left-back told Arsenal Player.

“He is so ambitious. Wherever he plays, he is always hungry for more.

“He is not content with what he has already achieved but wants to keep on improving and that’s exactly what he has done.

“In Spain he proved himself to be one of our best players – one of the best in the world. In the USA now he carries on doing the same – giving 100 per cent and scoring many goals.

“He is the star of his team. His ability to score goals from any situation is just stunning.”

The striker, who now plays for New York City FC, featured 119 times during his three years with the Catalans and scored 48 goals before he signed for Atletico Madrid in 2013. We were even linked with the 34-year-old at one stage but – obviously – it didn’t work out and he decided to ‘retire’ to the MLS, although he was immediately loaned out as a ‘guest’ to Melbourne City. Since returning to New York, however, he’s been having a great time, scoring 31 goals in 51 appearances.

After playing alongside him for the Spain national team, it’s easy to see why Nacho is so thrilled about facing him. He was and still is a star.