Is it time for Arsenal to sell Cesc Fabregas?
simon | May 03, 2011 | Comments 0
For what seems like an eternity, the future of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been the subject of much debate with the Spaniard hotly tipped to return to his homeland with former club Barcelona. The Gunners have angrily resisted the overtures of the Catalans, insisting that Fabregas is not for sale and that he remains an integral part of their team.
This summer is undoubtedly going to lead to renewed speculation about Barcelona’s interest and there are major doubts whether Fabregas will be seen wearing the new 2011/12 Arsenal shirt next season.
The general consensus is that Arsenal must hold on to their captain and their loss would be a hammer blow to them. However, as The Gunners face up to another trophyless season, on reflection I am not sure I agree with that statement. Undoubtedly, Fabregas is a hugely gifted footballer but the question of his usefulness to the Arsenal team is coming under increasing debate.
It cannot be ignored that under Fabregas leadership, Arsenal have not won a trophy and many have questioned his role as a leader, including fellow midfielder Denilson earlier this season. Undoubtedly, when compared to previous captain Patrick Vieira, Fabregas leadership qualities and ability to drive his side forward in the face of adversity certainly do not bear scrutiny. Add to that the number of niggling injuries he has picked up and it certainly is doubtful whether he can be relied upon as the man to build the team around.
Cesc Fabregas is clearly a talented player, but whether or not the dynamics of the team are right when he plays is a different question. Indeed, it could be strongly argued that Samir Nasri performs better when Fabregas does not play.
My personal opinion is that Fabregas does not fit into the Arsenal system and should be remain at the club next season, Arsene Wenger will have to change the system if he wants to end his sides quest for a trophy. When deployed behind a front 3 of Nasri, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie, Fabregas natural attacking instincts turn the formation into an almost 4-2-4 which leaves Arsenal too exposed against stronger teams.
With Jack Wilshere quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising midfielders in world football and Aaron Ramsey returning to fitness and starting to fulfil his potential, it could be that Fabregas is not as pivotal to Arsenal as he once was. The former two are more traditional midfielders and it could be argued that Arsenal would be better suited to replacing the Spaniard with a Patrick Viera type box to box midfielder than Fabregas more attacking style.
Of course, should Fabregas be at The Emirates for the 2011 season, this is by no means a bad thing. Wenger will just need to tweak his system when the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd come to town to accomodate into his front 3, perhaps opting for a midfield of Wilshere, Ramsey and Alex Song.
Written by Eddie Smith, a sports writer who blogs about classic football kits.
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