Arsenal captain Cesc Fabergas has called on coach Vicente de Bosque to give him more game time at the World Cup ahead of Spain’s semi-final with Germany (2/1 outright World Cup winners).
The 23-year-old has yet to start a game for the current European Champions, playing a bit part in their progression to the last four.
Fabregas’ omission from the Spain starting eleven is a clear indication of the talent Del Bosque has at his disposal.
Despite enjoying another good season with Arsenal, Fabregas has found himself behind the likes of Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, David Silva and Xabi Alonso in being given a start.
However, Fabregas did impress when coming off the bench to help Spain (8/5 to beat Germany) beat Paraguay in the quarter-finals and there had been suggestions that he may start ahead of Fernando Torres.
Torres has been struggling in South Africa after another season blighted by injuries and del Bosque is thought to be considering whether to start him against Germany or give Fabregas a chance.
The Barcelona target impressed when asked to play behind the striker in Euro 2008, filling in for the injured David Villa in the final as Spain overcame Germany.
It could be that he is asked to play that role again against Germany should del Bosque decide to keep Torres on the bench.
Fabregas admits he is struggling to enjoy the World Cup from the dugout and says it won’t matter where he starts as he long as he gets to play more.
“All I want is to play football. It’s the semi-final of the biggest tournament in the world and I just want to play. I want to enjoy things and do well for the team and show everyone how I can play,” said Fabregas.
Coming into the tournament Fabregas was struggling to overcome a cracked fibula he suffered in March and his lack of fitness probably cost him the chance to start in the early stages.
However, the Arsenal midfielder says he is now fully fit and is desperate to get out on the pitch and show what he can do.
“When I come on I don’t think about that. I feel good. I feel motivated,” he added.
“Of course when you are not playing you have to give even more to get yourself in the team. I needed games. I needed minutes on the pitch. You can train as much as you like, but if you don’t play, then you never get your fitness back.
“Hopefully in the next two games I will feel better. Everyone is really proud of what we have achieved so far, but our aim is obviously to win it.”
Fabergas wants semi-final start
The 23-year-old has yet to start a game for the current European Champions, playing a bit part in their progression to the last four.
Fabregas’ omission from the Spain starting eleven is a clear indication of the talent Del Bosque has at his disposal.
Despite enjoying another good season with Arsenal, Fabregas has found himself behind the likes of Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, David Silva and Xabi Alonso in being given a start.
However, Fabregas did impress when coming off the bench to help Spain (8/5 to beat Germany) beat Paraguay in the quarter-finals and there had been suggestions that he may start ahead of Fernando Torres.
Torres has been struggling in South Africa after another season blighted by injuries and del Bosque is thought to be considering whether to start him against Germany or give Fabregas a chance.
The Barcelona target impressed when asked to play behind the striker in Euro 2008, filling in for the injured David Villa in the final as Spain overcame Germany.
It could be that he is asked to play that role again against Germany should del Bosque decide to keep Torres on the bench.
Fabregas admits he is struggling to enjoy the World Cup from the dugout and says it won’t matter where he starts as he long as he gets to play more.
“All I want is to play football. It’s the semi-final of the biggest tournament in the world and I just want to play. I want to enjoy things and do well for the team and show everyone how I can play,” said Fabregas.
Coming into the tournament Fabregas was struggling to overcome a cracked fibula he suffered in March and his lack of fitness probably cost him the chance to start in the early stages.
However, the Arsenal midfielder says he is now fully fit and is desperate to get out on the pitch and show what he can do.
“When I come on I don’t think about that. I feel good. I feel motivated,” he added.
“Of course when you are not playing you have to give even more to get yourself in the team. I needed games. I needed minutes on the pitch. You can train as much as you like, but if you don’t play, then you never get your fitness back.
“Hopefully in the next two games I will feel better. Everyone is really proud of what we have achieved so far, but our aim is obviously to win it.”
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.