Cesc Fabregas had been at the center of transfer speculation over recent years. The world cup winner was constantly linked with a return to England after failing to hit the real heights at his boyhood club FC Barcelona. Fabregas was a transfer target for Manchester United as they looked to reshape their midfield. A deal looked imminent as Barcelona were open to selling. Arsenal were also heavily linked, after placing a first refusal clause in his contract when they sold him to Barcelona. The clause was eventually activated after Barcelona accepted a £30 million bid from Chelsea in the summer of 2014. Arsenal chose not to pursue Fabregas, Wenger later stated they did not need Fabregas because they signed Mesut Ozil in the previous transfer window.
In the previous season, despite leading the way for the long periods of the season Mourhino’s Chelsea side looked one or two players short off the Premier League title. Even with the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar in the team, Chelsea were short of the player that could dictate a game. A player that had an eye for the killer ball too. Many question where he would fit into the Chelsea side after playing in more attacking positions for both Spain and Barcelona. Fabregas starred for Spain in the 2010 World Cup playing as a false nine. In spite of that, Jose Mourinho wanted Fabregas to fill that role. Playing in a much more familiar, deeper midfield role. In my opinion this role is much more suited to Fabregas, who has never been the fastest of players. However this deeper role presents him with the freedom to pick his head up and dictate play.
In the 2013-14 Eden Hazard racked up the most assists in the Chelsea team throughout the season with just 7. This is something that often got over looked, because Chelsea had some much creativity going forward with the likes of Hazard, Oscar and Willian. However, it showed when we came to the end of the season. Chelsea dropped points against teams near the bottom of the table, which included Sunderland ending Mourinho’s undefeated run at Stamford Bridge which ran all the way back to 2004. Games were teams would sit deep, not allowing Chelsea any room to manoeuvre the ball in the final third. It was games like this that cost Chelsea the tittle, as we practically gifted the trophy to Man City.
It is only when you see how much of a difference Cesc Fabregas has made to the team, that you can see how astonishingly low the assist count was last season. As we enter the New Year, Cesc Fabregas has already accumulated 17 assists in all competitions. Fabregas hit the ground running at Chelsea, collecting two assists during Chelsea’s opening game of the season against Burnley.
I believe if Chelsea had won the Premier League last season, perhaps we would be seeing Cesc Fabregas line up for a different team in London, we will never know. Never the less, it is clear to see the massive impact he has had on Chelsea’s side. At this stage of the Premier League last season, Chelsea had registered 40 goals. However this season, that tally has increased to 46 goals. As well as the increase of goals, Chelsea have also beaten teams such as Everton, West Ham and Stoke. All teams Chelsea struggled against last season.
Granted, not all of Chelsea’s success this season has been down to the ability of Cesc Fabregas. But when partnering Nemanja Matic in the centre of midfield, the team looks balanced, mixed with creativity and defensive protection. With Chelsea still battling on four fronts I believe this could be a great season for Chelsea. Because of this, credit has to go to Mourinho, during the summer he identified his transfer targets very quickly and before you knew it, Fabregas, Costa and Luis had all joined from Spain.
The Cesc Fabregas that joined Chelsea has so far looked a matured and more professional player than the one we saw leave Arsenal. What is also fair to say, he has given the rest of the attacking players not only the license to make chances and play with freedom. Also the confidence, that they can make a run and Fabregas will find them. The Spaniard also adds depth to the squad, as he is more than comfortable playing in a more advanced role. As a result of all this, Chelsea look a much more dangerous side. A side Mourinho has gradually built over the last two years, looks near completion. I wonder if Arsene is now regretting his decision?
