Venerated Fàbregas has hallmarks of Gerrard and Terry

Cesc Fàbregas has always dreamed of captaining Arsenal, from the moment of his debut five years ago up until the end of last week, when it became reality. At just 21 years of age, however, captaincy would normally be some way off.

It makes Arsène Wenger’s choice an exceptional one. Perhaps made because Fàbregas is the antithesis to predecessor William Gallas – quiet, unobtrusive, and not likely to swim against the current – and/or because the Spaniard is a natural inspiration on the field, and Wenger hopes this will positively affect his team-mates. The added, persistent threat of Real Madrid and Barcelona to Arsenal’s guarantee of a bright future made Wenger’s choice that much easier.

There will be no embarrassment or disharmony caused by Fàbregas. He is not afraid to speak his mind – in a controlled and composed manner – but ordinarily plays the perfect gentleman. With an excellent command of English, his post-match interviews frequently resemble the mundane content of many of his British counterparts but are always done with feeling and a warm smile. He can instantly gain your attention and respect; two key facets that he will demand from the rest of the changing room.

Fàbregas is patient and well-behaved; Gallas is short of temper and enjoys breaking the rules. As the former sits down to watch Little Britain with his girlfriend, the Frenchman (ten years his senior) is at a nightclub, careless enough to venture out with a cigarette. Yet although one is more likeable than the other, neither of their divergent characters appear compatible with successful leadership.

Both excel in their relative fields. Gallas is a terrific defender, as he demonstrated against Manchester United recently, while Fàbregas is the best young player in the world alongside Lionel Messi.

Gallas never offered any visible leadership on the pitch. As a centre-back, he is entitled to shout and complain at his team-mates during a match anyway but offered little else otherwise. His compassion towards others was conspicuous by its absence and while he might often have led by example through stout defending, his off-field antics – in particular, criticism of fellow squad members – surrendered any authority he had accumulated.

Fàbregas was seen as a replacement for Patrick Vieira in terms of midfield kingship (though certainly not as a robust enforcer), confirmed as such upon his vintage performance against Vieira’s Juventus in a Champions League tie in 2006.

The boy from Arenys de Mar must now replace the former idol as club captain. Vieira was never especially vocal or domineering during his three years as captain, but his immense presence in midfield was enough for the Arsenal squad to revere him and adhere to his reign.

Fàbregas can attain a similar level of regard.

Despite his age, he has the maturity of a 30-year-old and is ready in willingness at least to take on the role of team leader. Many of his team-mates are at a similar age and none have a bad word to say against him. As Wenger’s personal choice, and a popular character in the dressing room, veneration and trust will be instant.

Wenger is picking a role-model for Arsenal, as Benítez has done by choosing Gerrard and Mourinho did with Terry. Fàbregas is to Arsenal what the Gerrard and Terry are to their respective clubs: the emblem, and the fans’ favourite.

It is pertinent that he becomes captain two years younger than his Liverpool and Chelsea counterparts (Arsenal’s success being planned on a generation of youth talent) and that he is Spanish (Arsenal’s team formed almost entirely by foreigners). He may lack in experience and genuine leadership ability, but those qualities will arrive in time – as they have done already at Anfield and Stamford Bridge.

Fàbregas might never be as vocal as Terry or an idol to the extent of Gerrard, but he’s currently the only untouchable at the Emirates and for that reason alone, after the botched Gallas job, he will prove a successful captain.

I’ve Got Talent… Get Me Out Of Here!

Just what has happened to Mikel Arteta? From a crossing wizard last season who would have thoroughly deserved a place in the triumphant Spanish squad at Euro 2008, the Basque midfielder is now suffering from a crisis of form. Consistently poor set-piece deliveries have been most apparent as Everton’s corner and free kick-taker but his open play passing and crossing have been equally poor. Opposition managers would previously have dealt out special instructions to deal with Arteta’s dazzling feet but today they can rely on the 26-year-old to be more wasteful than useful.

He offers little thought or innovation in promising free-kick positions. Instead, he repeats the same delivery, stubbornly hoping it will pay off. Any defence worth their salt will immediately clock the uniformity of distribution and be able to deal with it each and every time.

Above all, Arteta seems to suffer from a lack of motivation. Perhaps watching Spain victor from his couch proved too much to bear and he craves a return home in order to boost his chances of joining the national squad. And at this rate, Everton will be looking to accept highish offers for the playmaker come the end of the season.