I think a lot of posters here are a generation younger than me. I'm 30, but grew up watching Fabregas play. The Fabregas at Arsenal was the best midfielder in the Premier league at the time. Him leaving ultimately affected his career - if he stayed at Arsenal and played consistently at the same standard he would have been up there as the Premier League greatest midfielder.
I'm not too sure why Özil and yes even Santi get mentioned alongside him?
I had a quick scan of his highlights but they seem to be crap and poor quality. Nevertheless give these a watch:
Second video at 3:27 can you see Özil doing that?
Fabregas did everything that Özil could do plus more. People criticise Özil's work rate - a 'luxury player' is often branded about.
Fabregas had the eye for an assist yet also a great workrate and if you pay close attention he also had a decent tackle in him too. Tracking back to retain possession or to simply hassle the opposition was one of his underrated strengths! He literally "takes the game by the scruff of the neck."
Santi was a great player, but again Fabregas offered more overall.
RVP was also a great player, but peaked relatively late. Fabregas was doing this since his teens.
Just a shame that peoples emotions get in the way of judgement. When we look at the player objectively and rationally - he is by far the best during the Emirates era and I can't see anyone surpassing this anytime soon.
PS: Oh BTW, Cesc is a gooner. He still watches every Arsenal game. His latest Instagram story he's watching our dire Europa match.
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