At the age of 35, Villarreal's Santi Cazorla was rolling back the years and pulling the strings in midfield.
Cazorla leads all LaLiga players 35 and older in key passes this season with 54. He is tied for second in the league overall in key passes per game (2.3) with Real Sociedad's Martin Ødegaard, behind only Lionel Messi. In addition to acting as the Yellow Submarine's creator-in-chief, he's also increased his production in front of goal; Cazorla's eight LaLiga goals this term is the third highest return in his career. He's also contributed six assists in the pandemic-shortened season.
Most key passes by players aged 35 and over in Europe's top five leagues this season:
S. Cazorla (@VillarrealCF) -- 54
S. Sevilla (@RCD_Mallorca) -- 49
Joaquin (@RealBetis) -- 46 pic.twitter.com/xBQwL4WmX4— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 28, 2020
A longtime fan-favorite at Arsenal, Cazorla saw his time at the Emirates curtailed by a devastating injury, which caused him to miss nearly two full years and over 100 games. He underwent 11 surgeries in that time and came close to having his foot amputated.
The diminutive maestro has put his injury hell behind him and continues to delight fans with his grace on the pitch. Only once in a full season has he produced more key passes per game (2.6 in 2012-13). A certified Villarreal legend, Cazorla ranks first in assists for the club (53), third in goals scored (54) and fifth in all-time appearances (318).
It is not just at El Madrigal where he is a respected figure; he was a part of the 2008 and 2012 European champion Spain sides and is applauded in stadiums around the country. Even the Camp Nou rose to its feet in recognition after Cazorla scored against Barcelona in September.
With the return of LaLiga seemingly nowhere in sight, fans across the country and indeed the world will hope Cazorla has enough gas left in the tank to return to the pitch next season.
