Cesc Fabregas has said one former Arsenal teammate was the best finisher he’s played with in his career, above even the likes of Lionel Messi and David Villa.
The former Spanish midfielder remains an Arsenal icon after becoming the youngest player to wear the armband for the Gunners and winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup during his time in north London, with Fabregas moving on to FC Barcelona and Chelsea.
Now a coach at soon-to-be Serie A side Como 1907, Fabregas has impressed fans this summer with his punditry work at the Euros, with the former Arsenal star brave enough to criticise Phil Foden’s role in the current England system.
And Fabregas has now made another interesting claim whilst covering the European Championship.
Fabregas names Robin van Persie as the best finisher he’s played with
Speaking on BBC One’s coverage of France vs the Netherlands, Fabregas was asked which forward he believes was the best finisher throughout his career, with the pundit naming former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie.
Despite playing with arguably the greatest of all time in Mess as well as the likes of Villa and Thierry Henry, it’s Van Persie who got Fabgreas’ pick for such an esteemed title, much to the surprise of many.
READ MORE: All Arsenal legends in the Premier League Hall of Fame from Henry to Wenger
With 132 goals in all competitions for the Gunners, it’s perhaps no real surprise why Van Persie was named by Fabregas the best finisher he’s played with, with the Dutchman going on to win the Premier League with Manchester United.
Fabregas said about Van Persie: “I’ve been lucky to play with great players in front of goal but if I had to pick one then I would say Robin van Persie. In front of goal, he was unbelievable.”
Van Persie’s qualities can’t be denied despite fan opinion
Arsenal fans aren’t exactly receptive towards Van Persie given the nature of the striker’s departure, with the former Dutch international winning the Premier League in his first year at United, scoring twice against the Gunners.
Yet there’s also denying just how good the former Arsenal man was when leading the line under Arsene Wenger, with Van Persie the last player for the Gunners to score 30+ goals in a Premier League season.
Indeed, there’s good reason why Van Persie is as highly rated as he is, and Fabregas’ latest comments highlight just how good the former Arsenal man was during his absolute prime.