Oviedo captain and Spanish football legend Santi Cazorla recently revealed his all-time best XI comprised of former teammates, a lineup that notably includes only one player from his time at Villarreal: goalkeeper Diego López. The selection, reported by El Periódico Mediterráneo, offers a glimpse into the players who left the biggest impression on the 41-year-old midfielder throughout his distinguished career.
Cazorla’s journey is a testament to resilience and passion for the game. A product of Villarreal’s academy, he overcame a career-threatening injury sustained during his time with Arsenal to return to the pitch and continue playing at a high level. He enjoyed a successful spell back at Villarreal from 2018-2020, scoring 15 goals in 70 appearances, before a stint in Qatar with Al Sadd. Now, he’s leading Oviedo in La Liga, a club close to his heart, having rejoined them two seasons ago after helping secure promotion.
A Career Spanning Generations
The veteran midfielder’s all-time XI reflects a career spent alongside some of the most celebrated players in Spanish and world football. His defensive line features the formidable pairing of Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol, alongside Laurent Koscielny, a long-time teammate from his Arsenal days. The midfield boasts a wealth of creativity and control, with Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, David Silva, and Mesut Özil all earning a place in Cazorla’s dream team.
Up front, Cazorla opted for a dynamic attacking trio of David Villa, Joaquín, and Olivier Giroud, the latter a fellow Arsenal alumnus. The inclusion of Diego López, however, stands out as a clear indication of the strong bond Cazorla forged with the goalkeeper during their time together at Villarreal.
Diego López: A Villarreal Cornerstone
While Cazorla has shared the pitch with world-class goalkeepers like Iker Casillas and Peter Cech, his choice of López speaks volumes about their connection and the Spaniard’s impact during their shared years at the Yellow Submarine. According to Transfermarkt, Cazorla and López played together in 151 matches.
López was a key figure for Villarreal during a successful period for the club, and his consistent performances earned him recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in La Liga. The pair’s synergy on the pitch undoubtedly contributed to Cazorla’s decision to include him in his all-time XI.
Recent Recognition and a Lasting Legacy
Cazorla recently received a touching tribute at La Cerámica, Villarreal’s stadium, on matchday one of the current season, a testament to his enduring popularity with the club’s supporters. At the weekend, Oviedo celebrated its centenary, with several former players, including Villarreal’s director of institutional relations, Marcos Senna, in attendance. Senna presented Cazorla with a retro shirt bearing his name and number 8, further cementing his legendary status.
Despite facing a challenging season with Oviedo, where survival in La Liga looks increasingly demanding, Cazorla continues to demonstrate his commitment to the game and his hometown club. His selection of Diego López in his all-time XI is a fitting tribute to a fellow Villarreal icon and a reminder of the special connections forged throughout a remarkable career.
As Cazorla likely enters the twilight of his playing days, his impact on Spanish football will continue to be felt for years to come. His story is one of perseverance, skill, and a deep love for the game, inspiring fans and players alike.
Oviedo’s next match is against Girona on April 6th. Fans can follow updates on the club’s official website and social media channels.
