Cesc Fabregas

Francesc Fàbregas Soler, famously known an Cesc Fàbregas, is a Spanish professional footballer, born on 4th May 1987 in Arenys de Mar, Spain. The right-footed Fàbregas mainly plays as a centre midfielder in the Premier League side, Chelsea. The versatile Spanish also plays as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder along with playing as centre-forward, ring and left winger.

Fàbregas is regarded as one of sumptuous midfielders of golden-era of Spanish football. He won two European Championships and one FIFA World Cup with the La Furi.

Background

Fàbregas started his football career at CE Mataró before joining Barcelona’s famous youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 10. He started as a defensive midfielder. In spite of scoring more than 30 goals in a season, he was not picked up in the Barcelona first team.

The talented midfielder rose to prominence with brilliant performance in the 2003 Under-17 World Cup where he was adjudged ‘Player of the Tournament’. His tally of five goals helped Spain Under-17 to reach the final. Seven months after the World Cup, 16-year-old was signed by Arsenal. Fàbregas became the club’s youngest player to start for the first team when he made his professional debut in a League cup match against Rotherham United in October 2003.

Although he did not appear in English Premier League in his first season, the Spanish cemented his spot in the next season. He became Arsenal’s youngest player to score a goal in UEFA competitions.

Fàbregas played in the 2006 Under-20 World Cup and represented Spain at Under-21 level where he netted eight times in 12 appearances.

Debut

Prior to the 2006 World Cup, Fàbregas was stationed in the central midfield for the entire 90 minutes in his maiden international cap in an international friendly against Ivory Coast in March 2006 in Valladolid. Fàbregas played next three friendly matches and was included in the squad for the 2006 World Cup.

Rise to Glory

Fàbregas played an instrumental role in lifting Spain's first major championship in the 2008 Euro Championship. The Spanish star provided two assists in the semi-final against Russia.

In 2010 FIFA World Cup, Fabregas brilliantly assisted Iniesta to hit the net in 113rd-minute which eventually helped to lift their eluded World Cup trophy for the first time.

Playing as centre-forward, the Spanish star once again ignited his performance in the 2012 European Championship netting two goals in the group-stage. He also assisted David Silva to score the first goal of the final against Italy.

Low Points

The Spanish international did not have a great 2015-16 season and was benched by Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, benched him at the beginning of the new season. After the European Championship exit from Last 16 stage, Fàbregas lost his place in the national team under new manager Julen Lopetegui in August 2016. The emergence of many talented Spanish youngsters made the job more difficult for Fàbregas and could not make it to the La Roja ever since. He is unlikely to visit Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Captaincy

Fàbregas led the La Roja for the first time in a 1-0 win against Ukraine in the Group C encounter of European Qualifiers in October 2015 in Kiev. He again got the captaincy under arm band in an international friendly and assisted Nolito for the second goal in a 3-1 comfortable victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Club Career

Fàbregas scored 35 goals in 212 matches winning one FA Cup and one Community Shield in his nine-year stint with Arsenal. He won The Spanish star joined star-studded Barcelona in 2011 at 48.60 million Euro. He won one La Liga and one Copa Del Rey during his three-year stay at Camp Nou. He netted 28 times in 96 appearances for the Catalan side. In July, he returned to England, this time signing for Chelsea.He lifted two Premier League titles, and one League Cup for the Stamford Bridge club.