Few footballers have gone through what Santi Cazorla has.Back in 2016, the Spanish midfielder supposedly picked up a 'short-term injury' while playing for Arsenal against Ludogorets.It would be his last appearance for the club, with Cazorla suffering numerous setbacks and having to endure many surgeries to repair a persistent Achilles injury.Doctors even wondered if he would ever walk again, while kicking a football again professionally was seen as impossible.However, Cazorla has defied all odds since returning to Villarreal this season after moving on a free transfer in the summer.He's already made eight appearances in La Liga, registering one assist and he notched his first goal in the Copa Del Rey last night.And his first goal in over two years was certainly something to remember.

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Cazorla leaves two defenders for dead, before unleashing a dipping effort past the goalkeeper from outside the area.

It's hard for any football fan to not have a smile on their face watching that.

The game finished 3-3, with Almeria striker Sekou Gassama scoring two goals in the final five minutes of the game.

Despite Cazorla's impressive form, Villarreal have really struggled in 2018/19. They are currently 17th in the table on nine points, having lost five of their La Liga games already.

Surely the question on Cazorla's mind will be, could I have stayed and thrived at Arsenal this season?

The Gunners certainly have more options in central midfield after the arrivals of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi in the summer.

However, a player with the skillset of Cazorla is incredibly unique and he would be the ideal man to provide cover for Granit Xhaka in the deep-lying playmaker role.

It would have been a risk for Arsenal and Unai Emery, but given the fact he left on a free transfer, it may have been one worth taking.