Cesc Fabregas has named an Arsenal star as the closest player currently playing who reminds him of himself.
The former Spanish international is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders to play for Arsenal, with Fabregas still the Gunners’ youngest-ever captain and a modern-day icon at the Emirates Stadium, even after a spell at Chelsea.
A FIFA World Cup winner with Spain as well as a La Liga champion with FC Barcelona, Fabregas had an exceptional career for club and country as the midfield maestro established himself as one of the best in both Catalonia and in England.
And Fabregas has now said one Arsenal player reminds him a lot of himself.
Fabregas compares Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard to himself
Speaking to BBC Sport, Fabregas named Martin Odegaard as the player who reminds him the most of himself, with the Arsenal midfielder regarded as one of the best in the world and a key member of Mikel Arteta’s system.
The 25-year-old has improved season upon season at Arsenal since moving to north London in 2021, and Fabgreas was full of praise for the Norwegian international, who has been huge in recent years in pushing the Gunners to where they are now.
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Fabregas said when asked which player currently reminds him of himself: “I really like Odegaard, the position and the character and the profile of player he is today for Arsenal reminds me a little bit of myself in my time.
“I genuinely think he reminds me of myself, I’ve got to know him, and he’s a great guy, a great professional, a great leader. It reminds me of when I was a young captain, he brings this energy that I see when they’re losing, and he brings the atmosphere up, and it reminds me of myself.”
Odegaard is quickly becoming this generation’s Fabregas
Similarities between Odegaard and Fabregas are easy to make given how technically brilliant the two midfielders are and how dangerous they were in the attack when called to push forward.
And for the new generation of Arsenal fans coming up and supporting the team, Odegaard will be viewed by them as Fabregas was once seen by the supporters that came beforehand.
Indeed, the former Spain star holds a special place in the hearts of those who watched the midfielder at Arsenal, and Odegaard is now delivering a similar feeling whilst also wearing the captain’s armband.