The 28-year-old has registered just three assists for the Premier League champions off the back of a stellar campaign - and his former team-mate has a reason for his lack of impact
Thierry Henry believes Cesc Fabregas’ decline at Chelsea is down to the Spaniard being played in the wrong position.
Fabregas registered 18 assists last season as Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions, but so far this term, the 28-year-old has just three to his name in 21 appearances.
And Henry believes the move to play Fabregas in a deeper role closer to Nemanja Matic has taken away the Spaniard’s ability to influence games.
“What was great with Fab - was when he was behind the strikers, that's his best position. He used to score goals! for Arsenal and for Barcelona too,” the former Arsenal striker told Sky Sports.
“When Fab came to play at Arsenal last year with 15-odd assists everyone was on Wenger's back - and I was the same, I wanted him to come back too, but Wenger said then - can Ozil match Fabregas? And now, Fabregas can show his title - and now we'll find out if Ozil, with 16 assists, can back it up with a title as well.”
Henry’s fellow pundit Graeme Souness agreed with the former France international: “For me, Fabregas, I prefer him further forward, he can drop a shoulder, dribble past people, and he's got the picture - and he can deliver on the picture he sees. He's one you'd want to play with.”
- Goal