Cesc Fàbregas

[Jase 43,479]

Juan Mata in 2013-2014:

15 appearances for MU, through ball rate 0.3 (5 through balls in total)

13 appearances for Chelsea, through ball rate 0.2 (3 through balls in total)

I think 28 appearances is more than enough to get an accurate data. Mata has never been a through ball master for us. In 2012-2013 season, he played 35 games for us and his through ball rate was 0.2 (8 through balls in total). Compare it to Cesc's through ball's rate of 0.7 (24 through balls in total). It's not even worth comparing. Cesc is obviously a more creative passer.

As it is, I suppose your point is proven right by the stats but I'm just not so sure if it can be as black and white as that. I mean, had Mata been playing in a team where there's a lot of off the ball runners (like Fabregas did at Barcelona and Arsenal), his numbers would probably be higher than it is. But I guess we won't know that right now.

[Daniel1980 1,425]

As it is, I suppose your point is proven right by the stats but I'm just not so sure if it can be as black and white as that. I mean, had Mata been playing in a team where there's a lot of off the ball runners (like Fabregas did at Barcelona and Arsenal), his numbers would probably be higher than it is. But I guess we won't know that right now.

I agree on Arsenal, but there are no real runners at Barcelona. They don't play with a runner CF. Fabregas's through ball rate, while still very high, suffered at Barcelona because of the team's style. In his last season at Arsenal, Fabregas's through ball rate was 1.5 (!). That's why he's still topping the PL's through-ball chart despite the fact that other playmakers had 3 more years to overtake him--and couldn't.

Stats aren't everything, of course, but in this case, they show how much more creative and accurate his passing is compared to other playmakers. Fabregas has many obvious weaknesses to his game, but his passing, vision and creativity are absolutely top notch.

[Jase 43,479]

I agree on Arsenal, but there are no real runners at Barcelona. They don't play with a runner CF. Fabregas's through ball rate, while still very high, suffered at Barcelona because of that. In his last season at Arsenal, Fabregas's through ball rate was 1.5 (!). That's why he's still topping the PL's through-ball chart despite the fact that other playmakers had 3 more years to overtake him--and couldn't.

Stats aren't everything, of course, but in this case, they show how much more creative and accurate his passing is compared to other playmakers. Fabregas has many obvious weaknesses to his game, but his passing, vision and creativity are absolutely top notch.

When compare with us, Barcelona still have off the ball runners than we do. Never mind just their attacking players, sometimes you even see Alves getting beyond their frontline.

[laeth 527]

That pass master video is insane. We've been dying for someone who can do that for years. Can't wait to see him in action.

[1chelsea 864]

I think I saw some people saying they don't see Fabregas being able to fill the deep-lying playmaker role well. Just take a look at this:

His long passing is that good. Many if not most of those passes didn't come from where you would expect a #10 to be, he is creating those chances from really deep. We just gotta have the smart runners for that to happen, this is one of the reasons why I think Schürrle would do better than Willian in that setup. If he can't play the #8/DLP/Regista role, nobody in the world but Pirlo can.

Those pass look like half trophy already if they are sent to the back of the net

[mannyfreshh 164]

He's balding, he doesn't really have much choice.

Sadly it's true.. The man is losing the battle to baldness.. It's an epidemic

[nyikolajevics 2,604]

Sadly it's true.. The man is losing the battle to baldness.. It's an epidemic

Fabregas is a fuckin' millionare with a supermodel wife so I don't really think he is sad about his hair.

[The Skipper 20,593]

I think I saw some people saying they don't see Fabregas being able to fill the deep-lying playmaker role well. Just take a look at this:

His long passing is that good. Many if not most of those passes didn't come from where you would expect a #10 to be, he is creating those chances from really deep. We just gotta have the smart runners for that to happen, this is one of the reasons why I think Schürrle would do better than Willian in that setup. If he can't play the #8/DLP/Regista role, nobody in the world but Pirlo can.

I physically can't wait for Fabregas to be proving these sort of deep through balls to the likes of Schurrle and Costa. Phenomenal.

[Korea 734]

I physically can't wait for Fabregas to be proving these sort of deep through balls to the likes of Schurrle and Costa. Phenomenal.

Which is why we need runners on the team....

Hopefully, they get ton of games this year. Cesc will make Ramires a crucial player.

[DYC. 7,542]

2013/2014 Season

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvOW9Pck5ME

[Tomo 21,741]

You guys really amaze me, people forget how good Mata was, only 3 seasons ago we were crying out for his creativity and now all of a sudden because we some hw bought more attacking mid fielders you downgrade Mata's ability SMH, Its a fact Mata is one of the best play makers to ever don a Chelsea kit regardless of what Mourinho loyalists might think and just to show you a glimpse of what you are forgettin I will leave Mata's highlight video. I cant say Oscar can produce such high quality even if he tried to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiL0hMLTaxs

Pointing out a player has weaknesses isn't downgrading there ability.

The fact is Mata has weaknesses and in the system we are building they became a lot more noticeable than when he had the team set around him under Benny or was one of the few good aspects in a stagnant team the year before.

The funny thing is I can see him having the same problems under LVG, the Dutchman likes high intensity games and wingplat.

[Tomo 21,741]

Mata was a fantastic final ball passer but Matas main problem was that he couldn't keep the ball under any slight pressure. Remember how he needed hazard and Oscar to rotate with him so he doesn't have a marker closing him down and he quickly released the ball to someone when rushed because he rarely could get around his man due to poor physique.

Even ozil who we think is weak physically is by far better than Mata in protecting the ball in his possession under pressure. Because he had more acceleration and strength.

In fabregas case he has what Mata doesn't which is more all round play. He can come deep and spray passes like sneider, he has better strength to hold unto the ball if yaya rushes at him(this Mata can't do and we know ) just like silva uses his body to shield the ball and not lose possession. And fabregas is still better in throughpasses than Mata IMO. Mata is no slouch in passing but fabregas is just better. Fabregas used to dribble when he was at arsenal, but I don't know if he can do it again or he was forced by Barcelona system not to dribble.

I agree, City is Juan's kryponite because of the midfield they have, that's why when he faces us I think Matic will have the measure of him.

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

What's the big deal with Fabregas - Mata comparison?

[Daniel1980 1,425]

Sadly it's true.. The man is losing the battle to baldness.. It's an epidemic

LOL I always thought his hairline was weird, even when he was a 20-year-old kid.

Now imagine him with that odd haircut and you'll get the same result. His hair just usually masks his weird hairline.

[LAM09 6,857]

He looks weird with his new hair cut!

[Sheva. 5,373]

Last season we were worse against teams who parked the bus because there was no Mata. In his time here, he always found a way to create at least 1 good chance - either from open play or from corners.

In Fabregas we have a great replacement for him, someone arguably better and definitely more complete in his style of play and positions he can play.

Now i just hope Hazard makes more runs in behind. Fabregas will surely find him, like Mata did.

[Pizy 18,538]

It's apparent straight away that Cesc is going to almost be attached at the hip to Torres every time we see pics of him traveling or in training just like Mata was.

We'll have constant reminders of our worst ever buy and one of our best (hopefully) in the same pics over and over.

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

Juan Mata in 2013-2014:

15 appearances for MU, through ball rate 0.3 (5 through balls in total)

13 appearances for Chelsea, through ball rate 0.2 (3 through balls in total)

I think 28 appearances is more than enough to get an accurate data. Mata has never been a through ball master for us. In 2012-2013 season, he played 35 games for us and his through ball rate was 0.2 (8 through balls in total). Compare it to Cesc's through ball's rate of 0.7 (24 through balls in total). It's not even worth comparing. Cesc is obviously a more creative passer.

Were are you gettin those stats?? I have a feeling you made those up