Arsenal: 30 Greatest Players Of All Time

By Ronnie Macdonald (Flickr: Dennis Bergkamp statue) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Ronnie Macdonald (Flickr: Dennis Bergkamp statue) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons /
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19. Cesc Fabregas

Unlike many on this list, Cesc Fabregas is not here for the longevity of his career. He is not here for the number of trophies he won or the number of accolades he had received. The Spanish midfielder, who now plays for Chelsea (how dare he) is on this list for the pure quality of his play.

In one of Arsenal’s worst eras in the last 30 years, Fabregas was the shining light in a team that should have been more successful. Cesc is perhaps the most naturally talented player to play in an Arsenal shirt in the last ten years. He became the youngest player for Arsenal in 2003, the youngest goal scorer and the youngest league goal scorer.

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Fabregas broke into the side on a regular basis during the 04/05 season when Vieira struggled with injury. At the age of 17, Fabregas was a shining light during a frustrating season and became one the greatest young stars in world football. He became the youngest Champions League goal scorer in a 5-1 win over Rosenborg. Over the next five years, Fabregas established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League, became Arsenal’s captain and was Arsenal’s hero repeatedly.

Fabregas was a sensational midfielder. His vision and creativity transformed the football Arsenal played. He controlled matches, created chances and even scored goals. A truly complete midfielder. Since the 06/07 season, in the Premier League, Fabregas has 18, 20, 8, 13, and 11 assists. They are sensational numbers, proving the quality of the Arsenal midfielder.

Next: 18. Bob Wilson