In FourFourTwo magazine this month there is a list of the 100 best footballers of this year. I was staggered to read that Cesc Fabregas was number 12, ahead of players such as Carvalho, Essien, Arshavin, Buffon, Lampard, Senna etc. It is about this year (2008) the year in which Senna was player of the tournament when Spain managed to finally deliver a major trophy. Fabregas of course played a part for Spain (a very good sub appearance v Russia) but he was never a starter until an injury to David Villa and then he was removed after a very dissapointing final display after only 60 minutes.
The year after Patrick Viera left Arsenal he came to Highbury with his Juventus team. Arsenal beat them comfortably and many were claiming that Fabregas had already replaced Veira in their side such was the level of his performance. Since Patrick Viera left Arsenal they have not won a thing. Is this the fault of Fabregas? That is surely a bit harsh.
I thought Fabregas was terrific in the first part of last season. He was beginning to score goals and Arsenal looked a vibrant, athletic, slick and efficient team. When Arsenal play well, Fabregas plays well, or is it the other way round? If he is to be considered a great player then he needs to lift his side and drive them to win the difficult games. Gerrard does this for Liverpool, Lampard for Chelsea and Ronaldo at Utd. Last year Arsenal were winning at the Bridge, winning at Utd and winning at Anfield in the champions league. If they had held onto these results who knows what they might have won.
It's fair to say that Cesc is not quick, he does not score many goals, nor does he go on driving runs through the midfield. His game is more akin to that of his compatriot, Xavi. He needs to dictate games and distribute the ball to other players. Against weaker prem sides, Hull, Fulham and Stoke, Fabregas has not changed the pace of the game, he allows it to drift when he should be grabbing hold of the game. It's nonsense to blame his lack of form on the absence of Flamini. Gerrard has played with any number of midfield partners from Sissoko, to Zenden, Alonso, Masherano and it does not affect him.
I can't stand Arsene Wenger. I think he is an ungracious little weed but...calls for him to be sacked are ridiculous. Arsenal are a terrific team with excellent players on the periphery of that team. I saw Jack Wilshere the other week and he has to be the best 16 year old i've ever seen (and that includes Rooney). He is hugely exciting for all England fans. Vela, Diaby, Denilson etc would all walk into most prem sides. Wenger has displayed a lack of an eye for a centre half in his tenure- Cygan, Stepanovs, Silvestre and Gallas but try looking st some of the incredible players he has brought in. Patrick Viera cost 3.5m and is one the the best premiership players of all time. Anelka, Petit, Overmars, all sold at ridiculous profits after making huge contributions. I think making Fabregas captain could be a very shrewd move. He needs to step up and take the team with him and maybe being given the responsibility could drive his game on.
I laughed a great deal when Wenger said 'I don't really believe in a guy who waves his arms around playing the leader' a remark no doubt meant for John Terry. Why is he regarded as a great captain? England had their best squad for 40years and yet he couldn't even lead us to the Euro's. It is more a reflection of the myopic English fan that he is viewed as such. Apparently shouting and badge kissing are marks of a great leader. Try getting hold of your star striker when he is throwing his toys and throwing away your chances of a champions league final victory! ...just think, you might not have had to take that penalty after all!
Gallas use to be caught looking at himself on the big screen at games to make sure he was on camera when he gave his huddle talks. Even Roy Keane's shouting and raving were impotent when his Utd team began to lack in quality and Ferguson was glad to see him go. Fabregas would be well served to let his football do the talking. It's not about doing interviews and gobbing off about a 'love for the club' (John Terry) it's about having the authority to lift and challenge your team to new levels. If he can become a senior player on the pitch by virtue of his consistent performances he will gain the respect of his team mates and they will follow him. Wenger can help him by spending some dosh in January and Arsenal will be just fine. I honestly believe a quality experienced centre half and a Yaya Toure would make them a better side than Liverpool. Top 4 again and they can get better.
Excellent article! It will be fascinating to see how Fabregas fares. He doesn't strike me as a natural leader but frankly after Gallas's pathetic outburst, Wenger's option were fairly limited.
Right - you're an idiot and clearly a Tottenham fan.
That said, I'm not sure Cesc is a good idea for captain and I agree that the mighty Arse desperately need an amazing centre back and an incredible def. midfielder if we are going to win anything in the company of the red scum x2 and Chelsea.
In short we never replaced Vieira and never replaced Sol Campbell.
Ah Sol, he won so much with Arsenal. Perhaps if King wasn't so injured all the time we'd sign him?
A sad indictment of Arsenal's predicament that they have to go back to the days of Sol Campbell. The guy who lost his marbles and ended up miserable. So mad was he by the end of his tenure at Arsenal that he said he left Arsenal for a team 'on the continent' (Portsmouth!) Mind you, he has won a trophy in the last three years, something Cesc and Arsenal would know nothing about. Looking at the Boro game today and Fabregas I would say Arsenal need more than 2 players, they need a miracle to be able to compete in any of the tournaments they are still in.