Cesc... how do you rate him.

[benni...]

I also have a question. Am i the only person who thinks he will become one of the best if not the best midfielder in the world?

[Teso Dos Bichos]

He is a great talent, of that there is no doubt. However, I feel you are guilty of getting caught up in the hype machine. I am of the opinion that the previous Arsenal midfield and team carried him during their great spell and we are currently seeing the real Cesc failing to step up to the plate. He has struggled to perform and seems out of his depth. Cesc does his job relatively well, but he just isn't exceptional at any one thing. I don't think he has what it takes to become one of the very best. His development might have been hampered by being thrown in at the deep end so early. He may go on to prove me wrong, but I just don't see it.

[Joep]

No. I think so too. And a mate of mine. So that makes three of us already! and probably tons of others too, yeah.


I just wish he was still at Barcelona. He wouldn't have been as far as he is now, but well..he still would have been at barcelona.

Teso, give the guy a break. He's what, 18? And he's asked to carry the midfield of one of the biggest clubs in the world. I say he's doing an exceptional job, for someone his age.

[benni...]

I respect your opinion... but i hardly get influenced by hype. My opinions are based on seeing him play. Thats all.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

Contrast his form in the two Arsenal midfields and then look at what he contributes. He is a good prospect, but I can't see him being one of the very best. Think of the best 10 midfielders currently playing and then ask yourself if you think Cesc has the raw abilities to develop enough to reach that level.

[phishy]

He is a great talent, of that there is no doubt. However, I feel you are guilty of getting caught up in the hype machine. I am of the opinion that the previous Arsenal midfield and team carried him during their great spell and we are currently seeing the real Cesc failing to step up to the plate. He has struggled to perform and seems out of his depth. Cesc does his job relatively well, but he just isn't exceptional at any one thing. I don't think he has what it takes to become one of the very best. His development might have been hampered by being thrown in at the deep end so early. He may go on to prove me wrong, but I just don't see it.

hmm.... maybe you should watch the arsenal play then..
perhaps our most consistent player all season... "struggled to perform"???
huh? :confused:
i think i disagree on every point you included..

[benni...]

Lets see...

He has techincal ability, he has the work rate, he passes accurately, he is all over the place, isnt afraid to get stuck in. I think he will develop more along the way.

[benito camelpene]

He is a tremendous talent who still has plenty of time to develop. I agree with Tesos that he may burn out before he has a chance to develop his talents further because of the intense pressure he faces starting for Arsenal(The absence of Viera also doesn't help). The fact that he starts in the central midfield for Arsenal at 18 is impressive but I don't see anything amazing in his game that suggests that he is going to be a top 3 midfielder in the future. I may me wrong(and I hope I am..I wish Cesc the best) but time will tell.

[benni...]

The one thing abotu him, he does have the liscence to attack like he does with the Spanish youth sides. In those games, he has been a top dog. He passing, and reading of the game at such a young age is what stands out to me.

[Cannon]

Good player with fine technical skills, reads the game well, and has a good attitude/work rate. However, its way too early to say how good he'll be in 5 years. We've been forced to play him too much and his midifield partners haven't been great but he has done a great job so far. I'm certainly looking forward to Cesc being a great player for us for years to come and one perhaps with the potential to reach the level of top ten midfield players.

[nicephoras]

Cesc will be a solid player, a good one. But I believe he's overrated. He looked nothing special in the recent U-whatever tournament where Spain were beaten by Argentina. I just don't believe he does anything well enough. Oh, he's competent and composed and I know he's young, but I just haven't seen anything that makes me think he's suddenly going to start displaying skills I haven't seen from him.

[minorthreat]

Cesc will fall short of being the next Xavi, but should still be able to compete at a high level for years to come. I just worry that he'll be yet another obviously talented player who doesn't show up for La Furia Roja.

[Joep]

Cesc will be a solid player, a good one. But I believe he's overrated. He looked nothing special in the recent U-whatever tournament where Spain were beaten by Argentina. I just don't believe he does anything well enough. Oh, he's competent and composed and I know he's young, but I just haven't seen anything that makes me think he's suddenly going to start displaying skills I haven't seen from him.

He was pretty good at that tournament actually, I think. I'd say one of the best, along with Messi, Mikel, Zabaleta and Rafinha. One of the more mature players at least. The game against argentina was a collective poor performance. But hey, they are Spain right.

And he's not gonna suddenly display anything. But he's got time. In two or three years he'll be stronger, better...and 21

[Stud83]

benni, I already wrote a long reply on the issue in the MU forum, but the bottom line is that so far the kid hasn't shown much. I actually looked up his stats - he scored 5 goals and made 6 assists over the past 2 seasons for Arsenal - hardly a great number. He's never been called to NT and I doubt he'll get a chance in the next 2-3 years. And quite frankly, Arsenal right now does not seem to be a team set for the future success - the kid may simply not a get a chance to show himself on the big stage for a while. So no, I don't think he'll even be the best Spanish midfielder at any point of his career.

[benni...]

I saw your post, and i respect everyones opinions. Thanks for contributing.

What i would say is that stats wise, he isnt the greatest, but stats dont tell the entire story. He is only 18 years old, is considered one of the bright spots for spain, and if not for the depth of world class spanish midfielders, he would be a full international alrready.

From all ive seen, he is just a very good player. He is one of the few who work hard, but has great techinique, skills and ball sense. For an 18 year old, he stands out a lot.

[phishy]

He's never been called to NT and I doubt he'll get a chance in the next 2-3 years. And quite frankly, Arsenal right now does not seem to be a team set for the future success - the kid may simply not a get a chance to show himself on the big stage for a while.

he is in the camp for the spanish national team set for germany.
so rethink that one..

and quite frankly, arsenal, right now is perhaps the best club in the world for letting young players get a chance.
oh, he IS on the big stage, RIGHT NOW....

wow... stunning post yours..

[benni...]

*BUMP*

How has your opinions changed now?

[nicephoras]

Like all of Spain - looks great against the Tunisias and Saudi Arabias of the world, but then looks disappointing against France. ;) ;)


To be honest, I've never thought he'd be anything more than a really nice complementary player to a good side, but Aragones did him (and Spain) no favors by bizzarely starting Raul. Raul is to Spain what Beckham is to England. An undroppable detriment.

[musicl]

Fabregas is class.
Cesc is good.
Francesc i've never seen play.

[Bertje]

He has more potential than Xavi, but we can only wait if he will do as much with his talent.