4. Cesc Fabregas

From promising youngster to the heartbeat and captain of the Arsenal side - Cesc has come a long way since joining the club as a 16-year-old in September 2003.

Likeable and level-headed off the pitch, Cesc is the complete midfielder on it. He has always been blessed with wonderful technique and vision but the Spaniard has now added steel to his game too.

Then there are the goals. Cesc netted 13 times in the 2007/08 campaign and, after a long-term knee injury last term, the ingredients are in place for another decent return. He certainly started the season in fine style with two goals in the opening-day win at Everton.

Arsène Wenger’s decision to adopt a 4-3-3 formation is designed to liberate Cesc, allowing him the freedom to finish off moves as well as initiate them. The Spaniard is likely to take full advantage of that tactical switch.

Cesc won the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2008 but is operating at a different level now. He is a fully-fledged Premier League star – the man who makes Arsenal tick – and his international career has blossomed too.

Cesc was a key component of Spain’s Euro 2008 triumph and is expected to play a significant role at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Before that, the Catalan has one simple aim – to lift a trophy as Arsenal captain.

 

MY YEAR

January

Cesc started five of Arsenal's games in January after missing the start of the month with a hamstring problem. Speaking after the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United, Cesc said the team must maintain their belief in the title race. "No-one said it is going to be easy," he said. "We just have to be strong and see what happens next week. If you don't believe, you don't win things. We want to believe we are still there - I am always realistic and I am not going to lie to myself or to anyone. We know it is very difficult."

December

A hamstring injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with Burnley restricted Cesc to just three Arsenal starts in December but he still managed to hit the headlines with a match-winning cameo against Aston Villa. The second-half substitute was only on the pitch for 27 minutes but in that time he scored twice to steer Arsenal towards a 3-0 victory.

November

After an outstanding October, Cesc was voted PFA Fans' Player of the Month and EA SPORTS Arsenal.com Player of the Month. Manager Arsène Wenger said the Gunners captain is now better than ever. "What is good as well is that he is 22 years old so there is a lot more to come from him," added the manager. "If he keeps the same attitude a lot more will come from him." Cesc scored three goals for Arsenal in November.

More Cesc Fabregas News