2) Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas developed as a young prodigy at Arsenal replacing the midfield steel of Patrick Vieira with his artistry. Since then, he has always been projected as a natural replacement of Xavi in the central midfield both for Barcelona and for Spain alongside Busquets. But, he has never really been consistent. After a forgettable season with Chelsea, this was a golden opportunity for Cesc to show that he can fill in Xavi’s shoes but it was again disappointing.
He ended the tournament with one assist in the tournament and created just 8 chances in 4 games. His link up with the graceful Andres Iniesta was rare and was often pushed wide where he could have some link up plays with David Silva.
One move there resulted in Spain taking a lead against Croatia when Silva slipped in an intelligent ball watching Cesc’s run who squared it to Morata for a tap in. But apart from that, he looked completely ineffective and was neutralised by high pressing against Italy’s midfield.
Cesc was poor in possession in the first two games against Czech and Turkey when the oppositions were allowing Spain to come forward. He improved as the tournament progress but was no way near as effective as the successor he is trying to replace.
