Cesc Fabregas is undeniably one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen. But this stat puts into context just how good he was.
The Spaniard quickly rose through the ranks upon his arrival in the Arsenal youth system in 2003. He became an established member of the starting XI in the 2004/05 season, and became a crucial cog in the side. Fabregas continued to impress until he became club captain and one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
The sublimely-skilled midfielder dazzled fans with his creativity, innate understanding of timing and space and, most importantly, his eye for the perfect pass.
However, this ultimately led to a reunion with his beloved Barcelona, where he picked up a La Liga title. Three seasons later, he returned to England. Instead of rejoining the team in which he’d made his name, however, he signed for their rivals instead.
The playmaker made his move to Chelsea in 2014 and continued to impress. He managed to finally win the Premier League in his first season at Stamford Bridge, and repeated that success two years later. Following a reduction in game time, he moved to Monaco in 2019.
The all-time great bagged 111 assists in England’s top flight. But that’s not his only standout statistic.
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This Cesc Fabregas stat is extremely impressive
Statistics page OptaJoe posted the list of players who’ve created the most chances since 2004/05 and 2014/15. English icons Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard top the table with 767 and 759 respectively.
Stewart Downing, meanwhile, takes the bronze medal. Although he struggled at Liverpool, his star shone brightly at Middlesbrough and West Ham.
Fabregas is in fourth place. The raw numbers don’t make for standout reading, but they don’t quite reflect the Spaniard’s impact on the Premier League.
The 2010 World Cup winner spent three years away from the league. Therefore, if you scratch beneath the surface, his average is significantly better than Gerrard’s. Fabregas created 89 chances a season. Gerrard, meanwhile, secured 76.7. There is no doubting that, had he spent the full-time period in England’s top flight, the ex-Arsenal man would have topped this particular stat.
In his prime, the Spanish international defined what it meant to play in midfield. He glided around the pitch with ease and always knew how to deliver the ball to the striker’s feet. He is a true Premier League great.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
