Fabregas To Emulate Former Arsenal Captains Henry & Vieira

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas was made captain of Arsenal this week by boss Arsene Wenger, who had lost faith in the leadership ability of controversial stopper William Gallas.

With Dynamo Kiev to be dispatched on Tuesday evening and the Champions League knock-out phase to qualify for, there wasn't much time for the 21-year-old to adjust to wearing the armband.

Furthermore, Wenger recalled Gallas - who was binned after his dressing room rift exposé was published by the tabloids - to his starting line-up to face the Ukrainian visitors.

If that wasn't enough pressure for Fabregas, he heaped a bit more on himself by stating in the pre-match programme that he's keen to emulate a couple of great former Gunners captains in Thierry Henry, now with Barcelona, and Inter's Patrick Vieira.

He said, "It is certainly one of the best things that has happened to me in my career and I have a big responsibility.

"I am lucky enough to have played under three great captains since I joined Arsenal and I would definitely like to take things from each of them.

"Patrick Vieira was a truly amazing captain. He led by example, while in the dressing room he was always relaxed. He never said too much before the games, but on the pitch you always knew you could count on him to go to war with you.

"Thierry was the best player in the world when he was here and was definitely a guy you knew would always be there at the decisive moment."

Adding that he'll seek the advice of the duo if possible, he continued: "I still speak to Thierry on the phone occasionally and will ask him about him. I have lost touch with Patrick, but I would love to speak to him about the job."

Fabregas made a winning start in the end, assisting Nicklas Bendtner's late winner.

Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com