The Spaniard, often seen as the odd one out and threatened by big-money signings, has reinvented himself and now provides the platform for others in the Gunners squad to flourish.
He could be Arsenal's hat-trick hero. Santi Cazorla goes to Wembley on Saturday as a common denominator in the Gunners' only two trophy-winning successes in the last decade. He scored when they regained the FA Cup 12 months ago. He did again in August's Community Shield.
So did Aaron Ramsey, but the Spaniard can slip under the radar. Last year's showpiece may not be officially branded "Ramsey's final," but it can feel that way: His was a tale of persistence rewarded, as his extra-time barrage of shots finally brought a goal, and of Arsene Wenger's faith justified, as one of his youthful proteges ended the Arsenal drought.