Arsenal fans have long held a deep affection for Santi Cazorla, the diminutive Spanish playmaker affectionately nicknamed the “little Mozart” for his technical brilliance and creativity. Signed from Málaga by former manager Arsène Wenger for £15 million in 2012, Cazorla scored 29 goals in 180 appearances for the Gunners before injuries prematurely curtailed his time in North London.
Now, excitement is brewing around a potential successor from within the club’s own ranks. Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, a 21-year-old midfielder, has drawn comparisons to Cazorla after an outstanding performance for Arsenal’s under-21 side in their 4-1 victory over Newcastle United’s reserves in Premier League 2 on Friday night.
Oulad M’Hand was instrumental in the emphatic win, playing a direct role in three of Arsenal’s four goals. He took the initial shot that led to the second goal, orchestrated the third with a dazzling run, and capped off his night with a sublime free-kick to seal the result.
