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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Having turned down a possible move to north London rivals Tottenham, Dani Ceballos certainly had a head-start in endearing himself to the Arsenal faithful.
The Spain international was reported to be in talks with Spurs, but a conversation with Gunners boss Unai Emery convinced him to head to the Emirates for the 2019/2020 campaign. And after an impressive display against Burnley in his first Premier League start for the club, Ceballos could quickly establish himself as a cult hero – even if it only is for one season.
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The 23-year-old was at the centre of everything in the game, constantly wanting to receiving the ball in tight spaces and then showing his heart and desire by chasing down the opposition. The Gunners looked regularly uncomfortable with playing out from the back, but Ceballos embraced the responsibility and offered his teammates an option to pass to.
In fact, as per Whoscored, Ceballos created the most chances of any Arsenal player, including assists for both goals, completed the most passes and had the most touches of the ball, highlighting how central he was to the 2-1 win.
That kind of fearless approach translated into some incredible dribbling inside his own half, twisting and turning away from Burnley’s hustling midfielders. It was the kind of midfield performance the Gunners used to be treated to when Santi Cazorla was in his prime at the Emirates. Both Cazorla and Ceballos represent those diminutive but silky type of playmakers, carrying the team forward with calmness and poise.
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Whilst Ceballos may only be in north London for just this campaign, if he can continue to produce performances similar to the one against Burnley, he will establish himself as a firm fans’ favourite. The Real Madrid loanee’s industry and energetic work drew regular rounds of applause from the Arsenal crowd, and whenever he was in possession, there was almost an air of expectation about what he was going to do.
The Gunners have been blessed with some of the Premier League’s best midfielders in recent years, with the likes of Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas standing out in particular. If Ceballos can enjoy a campaign similar to the ones of his Spanish compatriots, then he will leave the Emirates next season as a cult hero.
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