Since arriving from FC Barcelona in early June, Cesc Fabregas has thoroughly impressed in his appearances with Chelsea FC. Now playing in his more traditional central role, the midfield maven has brought to the club a clinical level of passing that unlocks Premier League defenses in ways that they were frustratingly unable to last season. In seven league games, Cesc averages 3 key passes per and already has seven assists, leading the Premier league. Coming by way of corners, through balls, and crosses the versatility of distribution he provides boosts the performance of the entire team.
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Most notably this season has been the connection that’s been instantly established between Cesc and fellow Spanish international Diego Costa. Both in their first year at the club, the addition of the pair has vaulted Chelsea to title favorites. Of the nine goals Costa has so far scored in the league, Fabregas has been the assister of 5.
"“Obviously Diego is a great striker, he can hold the line and he is a very important player. As a team we were solid and comfortable with the ball. We had difficult moments during the game but we solved them well.”"
Last Sunday, when the Blues played Cesc’s former club and London rival Arsenal, the Spaniard played an instrumental role in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory. Collecting nine tackles and spending the most time of any Chelsea player with the ball, he also registered an assist to Costa. Cesc received the ball in his own half and took only a quick glance before lobbing it over the defensive line to an on-the-run Costa who cooly lobbed the goalkeeper Szczesny. A perfect example of the two being on an almost telepathic level, the quick counterattack secured the result.
Since returning to England, Fabregas has played a more deep-lying midfield position compared to his time with Barca. Being played in various midfield spots and even at times as a forward in Spain, his performances were not always up to the level many had expected. Now given the chance to play a role he’s most comfortable at, Cesc’s performances are still improving as the season continues. “I haven’t played there since my Arsenal years, since 2008/2009,” explained the Spaniard, “so for me to go back deep and experience again this position it took me a while. I was always pressing the ball and going forward because this is the Barcelona way and they always want you to press high.”
The chemistry between the midfield trio of Fabregas, Oscar and Nemanja Matic are also being further developed. Both Cesc and Oscar have been instructed by manager Jose Mourinho to play a more industrious style for the team. During their transition period from creative to hard-nosed there have been occasions where the two were at fault in their defensive work.
“Some times I was leaving many holes behind me but I had to change that. Man City was the first game when I did it a little bit better and the last couple of games I am getting used to it and feeling more comfortable. Matic is a really great football player, defensively with the ball I am very impressed by him and hopefully we will grow up together more and more.”
Since the Manchester City game, Chelsea have had three consecutive clean sheets. Fabregas will look to continue his on-fire start to the campaign when Chelsea resumes league play October 18th vs. Crystal Palace.
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