Cesc Fabregas shares many similarities with Gerard Pique. Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Fabregas was a product of the Barcelona youth team set-up and also began his career as a defensive midfielder. And, like Pique, he moved to England in the early stages of his career - though for Arsenal rather than Manchester United. Fabregas joined Arsenal's youth academy and didn't cost the Gunners a penny, and would go on to become a hugely important player under Arsene Wenger for years to come. The Spain international became Arsenal's youngest ever first team player, aged 16 years and 177 days when he made his debut, in a League Cup tie at home to Rotherham United in 2003. He would make 303 appearances for the north London club and score 57 times - but it was his creativity and assists that really made him stand out - he provided 98 assists in his eight seasons at Arsenal. His performances led to Barcelona making several bids to resign their former player, and they eventually succeeded, landing him for £35 million in 2011. £35 million isn't a great deal for someone of Fabregas's talents, though Barcelona were said to be seething that Arsenal "stole him" from them in the first place, forcing the Spaniards to pay over the odds to get him back.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
