Cesc Fàbregas

[yuvala 2,167]

So why did we not lose a game against a team in the top 4 last season then?

Fair point. I take my words back.

Although most of these performances were not some elite performances.

[DYC. 7,542]

Play him in the Pirlo role in big games or don't play him at all.

[xPetrCechx 13,570]

So why did we not lose a game against a team in the top 4 last season then?

Why? Tell me...

[Jase 43,479]

Play him in the Pirlo role in big games or don't play him at all.

Even Pirlo can get overrun if you stick somebody close to him all the time.

[Stats 7,142]

Why? Tell me...

Effective tactics and great defensive displays.

[xPetrCechx 13,570]

Effective tactics and great defensive displays.

without a great game from cesc...

[DYC. 7,542]

Even Pirlo can get overrun if you stick somebody close to him all the time.

Of course. But it remains the area of the pitch for him to influence a game the most when the tempo is high or midfield is crowded.

[Oscar 441]

Can't blame Cesc.

The team was setup for him to fail.

[termninja 5,290]

Cesc is a player who depends a lot on the movement of our players, and the movement of our players was very close to awful. Take movement away and Cesc is just a little stronger Mata.

[Jase 43,479]

Of course. But it remains the area of the pitch for him to influence a game the most when the tempo is high or midfield is crowded.

Yes but Fabregas and Pirlo aren't exactly the same type of player, are they? The former won't shine as a deep lying playmaker, he's better at getting forward, linking up the play and creating chances.

[!Hazard! 3,394]

Needs to be benched. You cannot have players like this in a team like CFC not expecting any consequences for bad game. He needs competition and yet we don't have another creative CM at all! I wish we could steal that Kovasic deal from Real Madrid.

But I definitely agree about the lack of movement in our play. It was beyond static today. Zidane would have looked like Cleverley today.

[DYC. 7,542]

Yes but Fabregas and Pirlo aren't exactly the same type of player, are they? The former won't shine as a deep lying playmaker, he's better at getting forward, linking up the play and creating chances.

Again, it was an alternative for big games. Fabregas doesn't shine in his natural role, doesn't shine at #10. In fact, he struggles. So I suggested something new.

At least his long range passing would come to better use, as well as his ability to start up attacks. This midfield issue has to resolved. We already know the midfield battle will be lost before it starts.

[Stats 7,142]

without a great game from cesc...

Arsenal at home he was fantastic though.

[iseah100 5,612]

Play him in the Pirlo role in big games or don't play him at all.

So.. is that behind two defensive mids or what?

[DYC. 7,542]

So.. is that behind two defensive mids or what?

I guess. Playing alongside hard-working/energetic midfielders.

It's quite sad how the most influential midfielder has such issues. He did change the way Chelsea play(ed).

Hard to bench Cesc in big games, one of the top earners and a high profile player, and expect him to smile and remain highly motivated to squash the lesser sides. I think this is why Mourinho ignores those performances as long as the results are good enough. But what happens when the results aren't good enough anymore?