Cesc Fábregas Bio Send To Friend  

After emerging into English football through Arsene Wenger's tried and tested route of the League Cup, Fabregas has become one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the world.

Supremely skilful and with composure which belies his years, Fabregas' performances when filling in for the injured Patrick Vieira, Edu and Gilberto Silva for much of 2004-05 led to him becoming a fully fledged member of the first team squad earlier than planned - but there was no way the Gunners' coaching staff could have held him back.

Eventually filling the boots of Vieira after his departure to Juventus in 2005-06, Fabregas cemented his place in the Arsenal midfield and has often been described as 'the heartbeat' of the Arsenal attacks.

'Cesc', as he prefers to be known, first made history in October 2003 when he became the youngest player to turn out for Arsenal, in a League Cup tie against Rotherham United.

The Spaniard, who moved to Highbury in the summer of 2003 from Barcelona for a measly fee of around £500,000, was aged just 16 years 177 days when he took to the pitch for the Gunners for the first time. And he was welcomed fully into the first team squad for the 2004-05 season, playing the whole of the Community Shield victory over Manchester United.

He had a hugely influential first month of the season, although the return to fitness of Vieira curtailed his involvement. But the midfielder had also begun to make waves on the international scene. He was handed his debut for Spain when starting the international friendly against Ivory Coast - and playing the whole match - to become Spain's youngest cap for 70 years.

Fabregas was one of the few bright spots of a hugely disappointing season for the Gunners in 2005-06. With Vieira having left for Juventus, Fabregas became the focal point of the midfield and looked like a seasoned pro rather than a youngster starting out in the game as he approached 100 club appearances.

The key to Arsenal's creativity, Fabregas signed one of the longest contracts in history when he signed a new deal at the club, until 2014. He ended the season with several individual honours, including being named in the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year, and getting nominations for both PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.

Fabregas began the following season in an uncertain position after Thierry Henry's departure to Barcelona and speculation over Wenger's future with the club. But the youngster stepped up to the challenge and firmly established himself as one of the best in the world.

Scoring 13 goals, Fàbregas was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards for the second year running; he was later crowned the winner of the latter, and named in the PFA Team of the Year.

Fabregas was also one of the players of the tournament (despite only making a few starts) in Euro 2008. Providing assists and goals for Spain's march to the title.

Many would say Fabregas has fulfilled his obvious potential already, but Gunners' fans can expect a lot more to come from the talented midfielder, particularly following his promotion to club captain in November 2008 after a disappointing start to the season.

The Spaniard assumed the skipper's armband following Arsene Wenger's decision to strip Gallas of the role after the defender criticised his team-mates and, although he has been constantly linked with a move back to Barcelona, has commited his future to Arsenal.