|
|
Goal.com 50: Cesc Fabregas (45)
Our countdown of the best players of 2010-11 continues with the slick Spaniard, who soldiered through an injury-plagued season to drive Arsenal from midfield
29 Jul 2011 10:05:00
By Stephen Crawford
Getty Images
Welcome to the Goal.com 50! In this special series, Goal.com editors worldwide vote for the top 50 players of 2010-11. We count down to the announcement of the winner on August 14 with profiles of each and every player who made it into the top 50...
The playmaker's exploits from the middle of the pitch saw him pick up a total of 17 assists in all competitions over the course of the season, as well as net a respectable nine goals along the way. And while it's true that other talents notched up similar numbers, the Spaniard's spells on the sidelines meant his minutes played were noticeably less than those rivalling his statistics.
The World Cup winner's tactical awareness is almost unrivalled, his passing sublime. And in addition to his goal threat, despite not being a forward, Fabregas' adaptability and positive personality would see him fit into any team in the world with ease – and they would welcome him with open arms.
However, in February, with four competitions still very much there for the taking, Fabregas' injuries caught up with him once more as his team-mates readied themselves for the challenge of pushing aside Birmingham City in the League Cup final. It would have been the Spaniard's first piece of silverware since 2005 with the Gunners, but without Cesc's guidance and creativity on the field, Birmingham emerged victorious, whilst simultaneously signalling the beginning of the end for Arsenal's season.
While some Emirates regulars were left wondering if the outcome would have been different if their captain had played in the final, Arsenal were busy systematically throwing away the remainder of their hopes of silverware in the wake of that demoralising defeat.
Knocked out of the Champions League at the round of 16 by Barcelona and dumped from the FA Cup quarter-finals by Manchester United, the ominous vibe surrounding the camp saw to it that a run of results at the end of the season cost them any chance of Premier League victory as well, and left the midfielder bemused by his team's ability to self-destruct.
Fabregas has given all he can to Arsenal. Any club captain would be heavily chastised for so candidly revealing their wish to play for a rival European team, but Arsene Wenger's frugal transfer policy revealed a lack of strength in depth last season that was interspersed by mere shimmers of Fabregas' greatness.
While fans may be tortured by the tight purse strings of the London club, Fabregas need not suffer the same fate. It is a near certainty that the he will return to Barcelona, eventually; perhaps not this year, but the 24-year-old has a long career ahead of him. And with that thought firmly in mind, we can be sure of more moments of magic to come.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
We are now fully immersed in the 2011 summer transfer window, and the Cesc Fabregas transfer saga continues to run unabated, as the Arsenal skipper openly flirts with a transfer back to his boyhood club, Barcelona.
Still seen as one of football's most talented players despite another trophyless season with the Premier League giants, the £35 million-rated creator is still seen as the rightful heir to Xavi's crown in Catalunya.
Cesc did not make the greatest start to the 2010-11 campaign due to niggling injuries that manager Arsene Wenger put down to World Cup fatigue, but the midfield orchestrator still led a dangerous Arsenal side into contention for four pieces of silverware come late February.
 |
"I hope Fabregas comes. His arrival will ensure the Barcelona cycle continues. He is the missing piece of the puzzle." - Spain international team-mate Xavi
|
The playmaker's exploits from the middle of the pitch saw him pick up a total of 17 assists in all competitions over the course of the season, as well as net a respectable nine goals along the way. And while it's true that other talents notched up similar numbers, the Spaniard's spells on the sidelines meant his minutes played were noticeably less than those rivalling his statistics.
The World Cup winner's tactical awareness is almost unrivalled, his passing sublime. And in addition to his goal threat, despite not being a forward, Fabregas' adaptability and positive personality would see him fit into any team in the world with ease – and they would welcome him with open arms.
| MOMENT OF THE SEASON |
|
|
|
|
| PREMIER LEAGUE: ARSENAL 3-1 CHELSEA |
|
| Fabregas scored the second and provided assists for Alex Song and Theo Walcott as the Emirates audience watched Cesc guide the team to one of their finest performances of the season. |
|
However, in February, with four competitions still very much there for the taking, Fabregas' injuries caught up with him once more as his team-mates readied themselves for the challenge of pushing aside Birmingham City in the League Cup final. It would have been the Spaniard's first piece of silverware since 2005 with the Gunners, but without Cesc's guidance and creativity on the field, Birmingham emerged victorious, whilst simultaneously signalling the beginning of the end for Arsenal's season.
While some Emirates regulars were left wondering if the outcome would have been different if their captain had played in the final, Arsenal were busy systematically throwing away the remainder of their hopes of silverware in the wake of that demoralising defeat.
Knocked out of the Champions League at the round of 16 by Barcelona and dumped from the FA Cup quarter-finals by Manchester United, the ominous vibe surrounding the camp saw to it that a run of results at the end of the season cost them any chance of Premier League victory as well, and left the midfielder bemused by his team's ability to self-destruct.
Fabregas has given all he can to Arsenal. Any club captain would be heavily chastised for so candidly revealing their wish to play for a rival European team, but Arsene Wenger's frugal transfer policy revealed a lack of strength in depth last season that was interspersed by mere shimmers of Fabregas' greatness.
| "The playmaker's exploits saw him pick up a total of 17 assists in all competitions, as well as net a respectable nine goals along the way." |
Goal.com Poll
Poll runs from 29 Jul 2011 to 30 Jul 2011
Poll runs from 29 Jul 2011 to 30 Jul 2011
Do you agree with Cesc Fabregas' ranking?
Too low
56.98%
Just right
22.55%
Too high
20.46%
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
19 Comments
Inside Goal.Com
-
Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson
The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place
-
Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill
The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley
-
Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament
The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms
-
Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?
-
The Premier League targets in Euro 2012 Group A
With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into a frenzy throughout this month's European Championships, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer
