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Cesc Fabregas played what looks like his last game in English football yesterday, as Chelsea progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The game was hallmarked as Fàbregas’ last game in English football, and his teary and emotional goodbye to the Stamford Bridge faithful seemed to indicate the rumours were true.
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to AS Monaco, and linking up with former team mate Thierry Henry, who is currently manager of the 16-17 Ligue 1 winners. Monaco are currently second from bottom in Ligue 1, and Fàbregas’ decision to leave the Premier League for a relegation battle is an intriguing one, but the players’ talents remain unquestionable.
Not quite the fairy tale farewell for Fàbregas
Despite a comfortable win for Chelsea against Forest thanks two goals from out-of-form Álvaro Morata, the game could have been a perfect send-off for Fàbregas. In the 30th minute, the Blues were handed a penalty as Danny Fox took down Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and stand-in captain Fàbregas placed the ball on the spot. A goal on his farewell would have been the perfect swansong; however, football continually finds a way to disrupt the narrative, as Luke Steele was able to save a tame effort from the Spaniard.
Despite the miss, Fàbregas put in a commanding performance in the ‘technical’ role of Mauricio Sarri’s midfield three, and even though he has been a bit part player for the Londoners this season, Sarri has publicly declared that the wishes to keep the midfielder, such is the talent Fàbregas possesses.
A chance for Loftus-Cheek
Fàbregas’ departure will leave a significant gap in the Chelsea midfield. However, it can also provide Loftus-Cheek with the perfect opportunity to solidify his name into Sarri’s plans and push his Chelsea career forward. Chelsea’s youth policy has been frequently criticised during the Abrahamovic-era, as, despite the young talent available in the club’s youth system, youngsters are often shipped out on a never-ending series of loan spells before being sold for a profit.
However, with less competition now ahead of him, and Danny Drinkwater (yes, he stills is on the books at Chelsea) seemingly heading for a reunion with Claudio Ranieri at Fulham, Loftus-Cheek must seize his opportunity to make a stamp on the Chelsea first team. The likelihood is that Chelsea will splash the cash on an expensive replacement imminently, with the Express reporting that they have already bid £45million for Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella.
What the Premier League will miss
It is beyond a shadow of a doubt that English football, and the Premier League, is about to lose one of the finest creative midfielders that has ever graced the beautiful game. Gifted with an exquisite eye for a pass, one of the deftest touches ever seen, and a knack for popping up with a goal at the right time, Fàbregas has exceeded all expectations since he made his Arsenal debut at the tender age of 16.
Sitting second in the all-time assists table, only behind the legendary Ryan Giggs, Fàbregas’ ability to create for his team mates was his finest asset. The long balls over the top, the intricate one-twos, and that assist for Andre Schurrle for Chelsea at Turf Moor, it will be a long time until the Premier League is gifted with a player of the sheer talent and creativeness of Fàbregas. Often touted as a great man off the pitch as well, the Premier League’s loss is the Ligue 1’s gain, as the English game loses a true legend of the sport.
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