There was colossal negative shift in approach against Arsene Wenger when he opted not to sign Cesc Fabregas last summer. And the Spaniard relished an incredible return to Premier League with 15 assists in his first 19 Premier League games. But since then, the legitimacy of prowess from Cesc had been a shadow of his former self. Yes, it is rightful to believe that, for the sake of Arsene’s decision- that shows he was right, the effervescence of Fabregas has waned since the start of this year.
In contrast, of Barcelona offloading him and Wenger’s refusal to sign him back, it has to be considered that Cesc Fabregas is past his prime.
It was one of the bluest prospect for Arsenal fans when Cesc left the club that made him what he was, after making 212 appearances for the North London club. In Barcelona, he was predicted to be the corundum of the already world-class midfield platform.
During his mixed spell with the Catalan giants, he looked far from fulfilling his potential. Apart from the convincing fact that he scored 28 goals in three years, a good tally for a midfielder, he lacked the technical brilliance to adapt for Catalan ways of football. It was seen infinite times that Cesc failed to safeguard the defenders. Soon, the promise became a liability, which Barcelona refused to hold onto. They endorsed Fabregas to join Chelsea in 2014.
The first season at West London, precisely the first half of the league-winning season, was outstanding for Fabregas. He brought the quality of sense that made goal scoring informal for Chelsea. He scored three goals and made 18 assists last season, fashioning at least a clear cut chance in every game. As we saw last year, Mourinho’s reliance in Fabregas paid dividends as he sparked the creative propaganda for Chelsea to win the premier league last season, though his form in the second half was just mediocre.
Since the start of this season, Fabregas’s form has faded and hit the bottom as Chelsea’s premier league defence has already been outspoken. For the 38 games he played this term, across all competitions, he has accomplished to score only 3 goals.
His link-up play with Hazard and Costa was key to league triumph last season, and with Fabregas’s dip in form, it has affected the form of his compatriot’s as well.
His chance creation per game has condensed from 2.74 in last season to 1.44 this term. With no clear-cut chances created for a span of 10 games, it has to be clinched that he is having a rough patch which can destroy his future. Also, his mentality towards low performances has been frustrating, as he is committing unwanted fouls, making weird passes with no purpose, and the worst of it- losing possession more often.
From these dismal stats, it has to be acknowledged that one of the most celebrated child prodigy of last decade has advanced too soon for his age and now, past his prime. At the age that defines a footballer on how he should be remembered, Cesc Fabregas is having a downfall. There are players, from whom the football world anticipated more, but they failed to deliver up to their potential. If not Cesc could reinvigorate his game, he is sure to fall into the list.
Tags: Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea, Football, Premier League