
Olivier Giroud thinks the two greatest passers in football history both wore an Arsenal shirt.
Over the years, Arsenal have been home to plenty of technically gifted players, many of whom had a real knack for picking out a teammate with precision.
Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil could split defences with their vision, while Emmanuel Petit and Granit Xhaka were the heartbeat of their teams.
Still, according to Giroud, two other names stand above the rest when it comes to pure passing ability.
Giroud has shared who he considers the best passers in football history, and both spent time at Arsenal.
The former Gunners striker has played with plenty of elite passers over his career, including Paul Pogba, Jorginho and Aurelien Tchouameni.
But when it comes to passing ability, Giroud believes no one tops Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas.
He said to L’Equipe on TikTok: “The best passer? I hesitate between Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla. [Both are a] joke. The two of them.”
Fabregas is now managing Como in Italy, bringing the same football intelligence to coaching that made him such a smart player on the pitch.
He played more than 300 games for Arsenal between 2003 and 2011, earning a reputation for his precise passing and control of midfield play.
Cazorla also left a strong impression during his time at Arsenal. Known for his quick feet and creativity, he could spot passes others simply could not see. It is not surprising that players who shared the pitch with him still speak so highly of his talent.
Both Cazorla and Fabregas were outstanding passers in their own right, but it is hard to argue against Mesut Ozil being on a different level when it came to finding those killer balls in the final third.
Ozil’s passes tended to carry more weight. He did not just keep play ticking over, he unlocked defences. No one was better at picking out a pass that could cut through an entire back line and create a clear scoring opportunity than the German.
His exquisite through-balls and pinpoint passes showcase a sublime talent. Even with minimal back lift, tight spaces, and limited time, he consistently delivered the perfect pass.
Ozil may not have had the range or versatility of Fabregas or Cazorla, but he was more consistent in playing that decisive ball that could change a game.
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