Cesc Fàbregas

[stroey 2,525]

Yellow for him today, suspended for the next game right? (Hull)

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Today really showed me something about Fabregas. His off-the-ball positioning is almost woeful! Don't get me wrong, I love what he brings to us and I'm not saying he shouldn't play or anything like that, so I'm not being ungrateful to his contributions. But today, alongside Mikel, he showed the one weakness in his ability to play in that position ahead of defenders.. He's seldom in the right position to break up the play or sometimes even make space for himself.

[Stats 7,056]

When we play really good teams in the UCL, I really would prefer to see him in the no.10 role as I believe we will be caught out defensively. Especially away from home. Let him do what he does best but playing against teams who will counter us at pace, we don't really need him in the double pivot.

[coolhead23 1,146]

Today really showed me something about Fabregas. His off-the-ball positioning is almost woeful! Don't get me wrong, I love what he brings to us and I'm not saying he shouldn't play or anything like that, so I'm not being ungrateful to his contributions. But today, alongside Mikel, he showed the one weakness in his ability to play in that position ahead of defenders.. He's seldom in the right position to break up the play or sometimes even make space for himself.

Thats the risk that we have taken ... I m sure the coaching staff is pretty aware of .. I believe thats one of the reason why Matic and Oscar fills the defensive void for Cesc ... But one positive is that he is trying hard (damn! i dont believe i saying that) just like Mata did but then the defensive thing doesnt come naturally or easily to players with flair...

Having said that he is an intelligent player... He reads the game well like he did with the goalkeeper's position today ... rushes out everytime and was a very good drop for Drogs ...

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

Really needed the rest, im glad his suspended

[didierforever 7,349]

its cesc's MO. starts a season brilliantly and then tailors off. doing kind of the same thing here. probably needs a rest!!!

[Sheva. 5,373]

He played good in the first half, i saw him win the ball back more than 3 times.

2nd half was a mess, so nothing to talk about there.

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

He played good in the first half, i saw him win the ball back more than 3 times.

2nd half was a mess, so nothing to talk about there.

Agreed, but even then his pass created our only goal.

Really think he will be at his best in a midfield where he does not have to be as defensively aware.

[Tomo 21,733]

When we play really good teams in the UCL, I really would prefer to see him in the no.10 role as I believe we will be caught out defensively. Especially away from home. Let him do what he does best but playing against teams who will counter us at pace, we don't really need him in the double pivot.

I can't see him playing number ten, if he plays further forward it will be part of a 4 3 3, and that didn't really work (defensively) at Everton which is why Mou put Rami on the right at Eastlands and Anfield.

He's been a great signing not for one second saying otherwise, however where/how he plays against Real/Barca/Bayern will be the biggest tactical headache of the season.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Thats the risk that we have taken ... I m sure the coaching staff is pretty aware of .. I believe thats one of the reason why Matic and Oscar fills the defensive void for Cesc ... But one positive is that he is trying hard (damn! i dont believe i saying that) just like Mata did but then the defensive thing doesnt come naturally or easily to players with flair...

Having said that he is an intelligent player... He reads the game well like he did with the goalkeeper's position today ... rushes out everytime and was a very good drop for Drogs ...

Yeah that's true. But like you said, he is intelligent so I kind of expect that he could do better off the ball, especially cos of were he plays? I mean it's okay when he partners Matic because the Serbian does enough that he can cover Fab's defensive duties. But perhaps it's worth having Ramires in when Mikel has to replace Matic, so we have a central 3.

[Jase 43,479]

Picked up his 5th yellow card today. Will be out against Hull next Saturday. Doubt he'll play any of the next 3 games. So, we are likely to see him back against Stoke in two weeks time.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Ramires now.

[Tautvix 1,321]

Picked up his 5th yellow card today. Will be out against Hull next Saturday. Doubt he'll play any of the next 3 games. So, we are likely to see him back against Stoke in two weeks time.

That's too long. Long time without football is never good. I think he will get some time vs Sporting or Derby,

[Jase 43,479]

That's too long. Long time without football is never good. I think he will get some time vs Sporting or Derby,

Possibly Derby, if I'm pushing it, since we have 5 days rest between that game and the Stoke clash.

[coolhead23 1,146]

Yeah that's true. But like you said, he is intelligent so I kind of expect that he could do better off the ball, especially cos of were he plays? I mean it's okay when he partners Matic because the Serbian does enough that he can cover Fab's defensive duties. But perhaps it's worth having Ramires in when Mikel has to replace Matic, so we have a central 3.

Agreed and valid point if we play Mikel then Ramiers would be better plus Oscar get room to not keep tracking back a lot .. Like I said defensive duties doesnt come that easy for flair players ... I remember seeing clips of Barca games where he didnt track back or his off the ball positioning specially defensively was nothing but poor ... Having said that he has improved from his Barca days ... I would love to push him to a number 10 position and get Oscar in the DLP role but thats just me ...

[LDN Blue 7,903]

get Oscar in the DLP role but thats just me ...

When people suggested this over summer, I thought they were crazy to be honest. But seeing Oscar this season, the defensive contributions he's making and such, I think it's now a good shout. He's clearly taken on board what Mourinho's been telling him, and he's implemented it. With Hazard coming good properly, the burden on our number 10 is reduced. We've seen Mou push Fabregas up when Oscar does come off, so it's not out the question we could see him do the opposite with Cesc.

[iseah100 5,612]

Agreed and valid point if we play Mikel then Ramiers would be better plus Oscar get room to not keep tracking back a lot .. Like I said defensive duties doesnt come that easy for flair players ... I remember seeing clips of Barca games where he didnt track back or his off the ball positioning specially defensively was nothing but poor ... Having said that he has improved from his Barca days ... I would love to push him to a number 10 position and get Oscar in the DLP role but thats just me ...

Been saying push Oscar back for a while now. It would be better.

[coolhead23 1,146]

Been saying push Oscar back for a while now. It would be better.

Being saying it from the time, Jose said he is our no 10 ahead of Mata ...

When people suggested this over summer, I thought they were crazy to be honest. But seeing Oscar this season, the defensive contributions he's making and such, I think it's now a good shout. He's clearly taken on board what Mourinho's been telling him, and he's implemented it. With Hazard coming good properly, the burden on our number 10 is reduced. We've seen Mou push Fabregas up when Oscar does come off, so it's not out the question we could see him do the opposite with Cesc.

I dont get why lot of ppl think or thought it is a crazy idea to be honest ... I always advocated it and just like you, I had push backs on the same topic... For other than his Physical appearance (he look too cute, boyish ... assuming that the person in the middle should be tall and mean ) and lack of aerial threat in the middle, he does everything should go to the extend that he makes up for the lack of aerial prowess with his all round play ... I dont see much so called no.10s put in the kind of tackle that Oscar puts in and the best part is that those arent silly tackles, he actually wins the ball.

He got decent pace, very good defensive abilities and great tackling skill, can rotate the ball with more forward play, got a mean shot and an amazing attitude towards the game ... forgot one thing, superb team player ... With all of these why shouldnt be playing besides Matic and Cesc to be moved as number 10.