Santi Cazorla believes that Spain's early exit from this year's World Cup cannot be blamed on 'tiki-taka'.

The pass-intensive style of play underpinned Spain's success at two successive European Championships and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but the holders did not make it past the group stage in Brazil.

Some critics feel that 'tiki-taka' is outdated but Cazorla is of another opinion.

"In my opinion 'tiki-taka' is crucial for football," Cazorla told Arsenal Player. "I identify myself with the style because it was playing this way how Spain achieved success.

"In my opinion 'tiki-taka' is crucial for football"

"Everyone says this was the best football played by a national side for ages. And if you lose, that doesn't mean the style is dead. It's not that everything looks beautiful when you win or ugly when you lose.

"Spain have their philosophy, they will stick to it and I'm sure we'll succeed again very soon."

Despite going home early, Cazorla still took positive memories from his time in Brazil.

"Being in a World Cup for the first time was a unique experience," he said. "I was lucky enough to play in a World Cup and that's something I will tell my children in the future.

"It's true that it wasn't the best one for us. Spain wanted to win, to perform well... but nowadays any rival can beat you. For some reason we were outscored by Netherlands and Chile and that's why were eliminated.

"The experience will be mine forever. It was unique for me to live that experience and I hope to play for Spain for many years."