Cesc Fabregas (Midfielder): This was an unexpected one. But I still like it. In the past 2 seasons, even with the acquisition of Oscar, Willian and Hazard, the one thing the Blues have just not seen on the pitch is the ‘through ball’. This is partly attributed to the phenomenal lack of footballing presence from our strikers in the past two seasons. But on many many occasions, we have just not had our midfielders slip in that through ball bisecting the opposition defense and straight to the feet of the striker making his run. Nor have our midfielders tried to put an over the top ball directly to the striker. And THIS is what Fabregas can do and it is also what I am looking forward to a lot. Secondly, from what I see in pre-season, he is being made to play that deeper role in Central midfield alongside Matic. While Matic has made that position his own, Fabregas brings a different set of skill for that position. He will need to work on some tackling and defensive aspects of course. But just having someone like him build an attack from the back is something that we should cherish. Add to this, his awesome free kick taking ability and the fact that he is still only 27, and we have a very shrewd signing here. Key item: 3-5 years of peak performance ahead, free kick taking, through ball, over the top ball, central midfield playing position.
Blue with Black and White Stripes 