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World Cup Debate: Is Cesc Fabregas Ready To Become One Of Spain's Untouchables?
After Cesc Fabregas starred in Spain's victory against Armenia, Goal.com's Anthony Wright considers whether he is worthy of a regular berth in la Seleccion...
11-Oct-2009 1:18:00 AM
There are a number of mainstays in the Spain squad who will play if they are fit, including the likes of David Villa and Xavi. After another impressive performance from Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas against Armenia, is there a place in Vicente Del Bosque's starting XI for him?
Looking at the centre of the pitch, Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi have a wonderful connection on the pitch and it would be unthinkable to break them apart. Although Marcos Senna is not getting any younger, there are better options to succeed him in the midfield holding role than Fabregas.
There is another option that presents itself. Fernando Torres delivered another poor performance for la Furia Roja against Armenia and found himself substituted for Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo in the 55th minute. In fact, Torres has not scored a single goal for Spain in the entire qualifying campaign.
It is true that the Liverpool man has struggled with injuries, but he was on the pitch in the home game against Belgium as well as both matches against Estonia and failed to score, while his team-mates notched 11 between them. While he scored three during the Confederations Cup this summer, they all came against a woeful New Zealand side.
Therefore, could there be a role for Fabregas playing behind the lone striker - i.e. David Villa - in either a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-2-3-1 formation? This would be in keeping with his role for Arsenal, where he has been playing higher up the pitch this season rather than dictating play from deep.
The Gunners star has admitted himself that his youthful exuberance and desire to have the ball used to get the better of him, but is now revelling in his more advanced position. While he does not have as many touches of the ball now, he told The Daily Telegraph that he is delighting in the fact that he has more opportunities to deliver a killer ball or to score goals. This is a resource that Spain must make sure to tap into.
His link up play with Xavi tonight shows that the two are compatible, which is a criticism that has been directed at the pair before. There have been frequent rumours that he will return to Barcelona sooner rather than later, and should these prove to be true then the partnership would become even more deadly.
In relation to his first choice team, Del Bosque might think, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. On the other hand, even Barcelona have looked to improve on their treble-winning squad of last season. After another fine performance from Fabregas tonight, it is certainly something for the coach to think about.
Anthony Wright, Goal.com
Looking at the centre of the pitch, Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi have a wonderful connection on the pitch and it would be unthinkable to break them apart. Although Marcos Senna is not getting any younger, there are better options to succeed him in the midfield holding role than Fabregas.
There is another option that presents itself. Fernando Torres delivered another poor performance for la Furia Roja against Armenia and found himself substituted for Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo in the 55th minute. In fact, Torres has not scored a single goal for Spain in the entire qualifying campaign.
It is true that the Liverpool man has struggled with injuries, but he was on the pitch in the home game against Belgium as well as both matches against Estonia and failed to score, while his team-mates notched 11 between them. While he scored three during the Confederations Cup this summer, they all came against a woeful New Zealand side.
Therefore, could there be a role for Fabregas playing behind the lone striker - i.e. David Villa - in either a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-2-3-1 formation? This would be in keeping with his role for Arsenal, where he has been playing higher up the pitch this season rather than dictating play from deep.
Fabregas is revelling in his new role with the Gunners
The Gunners star has admitted himself that his youthful exuberance and desire to have the ball used to get the better of him, but is now revelling in his more advanced position. While he does not have as many touches of the ball now, he told The Daily Telegraph that he is delighting in the fact that he has more opportunities to deliver a killer ball or to score goals. This is a resource that Spain must make sure to tap into.
His link up play with Xavi tonight shows that the two are compatible, which is a criticism that has been directed at the pair before. There have been frequent rumours that he will return to Barcelona sooner rather than later, and should these prove to be true then the partnership would become even more deadly.
In relation to his first choice team, Del Bosque might think, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. On the other hand, even Barcelona have looked to improve on their treble-winning squad of last season. After another fine performance from Fabregas tonight, it is certainly something for the coach to think about.
Anthony Wright, Goal.com
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