Cesc Fábregas Bio Send To Friend  

Along with midfield compatriots Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Fabregas emerged from the Barcelona cantera but it is under the guidance of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal that he has become one of world football's most sought-after players, and a key figure for both club and country. He became the youngest player to represent the country at a World Cup when appearing in the 2006 tournament, but faces a strong challenge to secure a starting role under Vicente del Bosque though, having often featured as a substitute in the qualifying campaign.

Unlike the aforementioned Xavi and Iniesta, Fabregas left hometown club Barcelona at the age of just 16 when joining Arsenal in 2003 and it was a gamble that quickly paid off. After the club had gone unbeaten in 2003-04, Wenger could ignore the talent of Fabregas no longer and his stunning emergence the following season even convinced his manager to sell captain Patrick Vieira, such was his faith in the Spaniard who took the famous number four shirt.

An FA Cup final victory in 2005 aside, Fabregas may have been starved of silverware in North London but he is already regarded as one of the club's modern-day greats and has accumulated well over 200 appearances. The 2007-08 Young Player of the Year, Fabregas was installed as Arsenal captain in November last year and has thrived in Arsenal's free-flowing formation as its creative lynchpin.

Strengths: A quite superb passer of the ball who possesses both excellent vision and the ability to dictate the pace and tempo of a contest. Has a strong character and mentality to complement his technical excellence.

Weaknesses: Fabregas is largely impeccable for his club but a lack of real pace is noticeable. He is also less potent in front of goal than would be expected given his brilliant use of a football.

Career high: Being handed a starting role in the Euro 2008 final as Spain secured their first international trophy for 44 years by beating Germany 1-0.

Career low: A shock 2-0 defeat to the USA in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup in June 2009 and, for Arsenal, defeat to Barcelona in the final of the 2006 Champions League.

Style: Composed, cultured, creative, a wonderful passer.

Quotes: "His vision is comparable to [Michel] Platini, and that is a compliment. He is at the start of his career and we know that Platini has finished his. Cesc has it all in front of him, but he has a vision and he will develop still more." Arsene Wenger, September 2007.

Trivia: Fabregas became Arsenal's youngest ever player in any competition on October 28, 2003 when appearing in a League Cup tie against Rotherham aged just 16 years and 177 days.

Soccernet says: He may prove to be one of the most talented substitutes at the World Cup finals, but if handed the chance expect Fabregas to showcase his quality on the biggest stage of all.