Santi Cazorla says he has had to become more defensively aware in his new role as a deep-lying midfielder.

The Spain international predominantly played as a No 10 in the early days of his Arsenal career, before moving back to partner Francis Coquelin last season.

Play video Watch Arsenal video online 05:41 Close Up: Cazorla

Cazorla has flourished there, but admits he has had to adjust his mindset to ensure he operates as effectively as possible.

“The boss changed my position last season to play me more centrally,” he told Arsenal Player.

“It’s a position I really like, though of course it means I’m further away from the opposing area so I have fewer chances to score. I’m finding my best form and I’m really enjoying the new position.

“You have different responsibilities. In terms of defence, you have to defend more and you have to help the team more in terms of making sure you’re well-positioned to ensure the players in attack can stay fresh.

“We need the likes of Mesut, Alexis, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott and Giroud to be fresh - so that means myself, Coquelin, Arteta and Flamini need to be well-positioned to ensure those in attack can perform as well as possible.”