Cesc Fabregas

Anyone who watches Arsenal play will know how much of a quality player this guy is. He made his debut in October 2003, the season that went on to be considered one of the greatest title wins in the history of the top English Division. Known as 'The Invincibles' for going the entire season unbeaten in the league, it was the Arsenal squad that contained a solid defence, an all-round, brilliant midfield as well as a classy attack force. Players like Martin Keown, Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp were an integral part of the championship winning side. So for a sixteen year-old youngster trying to make a name for himself, it couldn't have been easy. 

When Wenger gave Fabregas an opportunity in the League Cup vs. Rotherham, he ensured he put in a good performance, getting on the scoresheet in the process as Arsenal ran out 5-1 victors - he was the youngest ever player to score for Arsenal, a record that still stands today. He wasn't to play a part in the League in that memorable season which meant he wasn't able to receive a winner’s medal.

Fabregas in action in 2005/2006

During his second season the young Spaniard was lucky enough to have been given four league appearances in a row, due to an injury to Vieira. He was given heaps of praise during these games as well as scoring his first League goal in a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. He went on to start twenty four Premier League games during the 04/05 season, winning the F.A Cup. As Vieira had left Highbury for Juventus at the close of the season, Fabregas' Arsenal career had begun to take off.

In the 05/06 season it was he and Gilberto Silva who filled the centre of midfield with Gilberto playing a holding role, allowing Fabregas the freedom to get forward and create play, as we have come to know his style of play. Arsenal reached the Champions League Final, losing out to Cesc's former club, Barcelona. At the end of the season his performances hadn't gone unnoticed by Luis Aragones, who decided to call him up to the Spanish national squad for a friendly vs. Switzerland - Fabregas became the youngest player to represent Spain for seventy years.

Celebrating a goal

Despite being only nineteen years of age, Fabregas was beginning his fourth season at Arsenal. He signed an eight year contract and stated that he'd like to play his best years at the North London club. Arsenal had moved to the Emirates Stadium by now and were looking to revolutionise the team by moving on players. Reyes, Pires, Campbell, Lauren and Cole had all left Arsenal as Rosicky and Gallas were introduced to the squad. Arsenal finished 4th in the League for the second successive season.

All-time goalscorer, Thierry Henry had left at the beginning of the 07/08 season. This was a blow to the side, but many had suggested that Henry was too big an ego within the dressing room, and that it was time for the youngsters to stand up and be counted. Fabregas did just that scoring an impressive thirteen goals for the season, one of which was a memorable strike in the Champions League vs. AC Milan to ensure a Quarter-Final spot.

Winning PFA Young Player of the Year in 2008

In 2008, influential players were sold. Flamini, Gilberto and Hleb being the most noticable. Nasri, Ramsey and Vela had joined, these players were considered potential stars for the future and were hoping to stop the recent dominance of their massive rivals, Manchester United. Fabregas had replaced William Gallas as club captain in November and as Arsenal's season looked to be on the up, he was injured during a big match with Liverpool, where he was sidelined for four months. He only made twenty two appearances that season and his side were unable to prevent United from winning a third successive Premier League trophy.

The beginning of last season saw vital players exit, goal-getter Adebayor and key defender Kolo Toure both left for Manchester City, who were on a mission of their own after being taken over. Fabregas made twenty six starts, scoring fifteen goals. He was a part of the Spanish squad who lifted the ultimate, World Cup trophy in July of last year.

Cesc fulfulling a boyhood dream

 

After the jubilant celebrations had come to an end and players returned to their clubs, there was serious talk of Fabregas returning to his homeland. 

A €35M offer from former club Barcelona had been rejected from Arsenal but the rumours hadn't settled down. Fabregas himself had stated he'd like to fulfil his boyhood dream and play for Barcelona, and who could blame him with the star-studded team they currently have. Josep Guardiola already has to make tough decisions in regards to making line-up selections, Busquets, Mascherano and Keita can all play the holding role well. Whereas Iniesta and Xavi is a partnership that is second to none. Villa, Pedro and world-class Messi often make up the rest of the attacking force. 

Ex team-mate Gilberto Silva said it was a matter of time before he'd join Barca. Messi stated he was confident that Cesc would be playing alongside him. They were both wrong. Fabregas has reiterated his passion for the club, when many others had questioned his desire to stay at Arsenal in an attempt to win trophies that fans have yearned, for so long.

With the transfer window now open again, speculation will continue, renewed interest coming from Jose Mourinho's, Real Madrid. But Fabregas has ruled himself out of a move at all anytime soon by saying in recent weeks, “I love this club so much, I want to give everything”. To me that doesn't sound like a man who wants to leave his beloved club. Arsenal fans would have very much appreciated these comments, as they know how important he has become over the years. 

The Arsenal captain enjoying his football

 

Arsenal's current style of play is easy on the eye; they often enjoy most of the possession in games and look to cut open defences with fantastic intricate football. Attacking prowess such as; Van Persie, Arshavin, Nasri, Walcott and Wilshere show just how dangerous they can be. Their defence is the main topic of discussion, with top pundits suggesting that they need to bolster their back four in order to be considered a serious title threat. Their goalkeeping situation has also been debated.

One thing that doesn't need debating is the fact that Fabregas wants to lead his beloved side towards trophies.