Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas reveals his surprise favourite team

At the peak of his powers Cesc Fabregas was regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. He was a world and European champion with Spain and a league and cup winner with Barcelona.

The 36-year-old enjoyed two incredibly successful spells in London with both Arsenal and Chelsea where he would establish himself as a firm fan favourite. Fabregas was on the fringes of the invincible team at Arsenal and broke through a year later to become one of Arsene Wenger’s most important players. The Spaniard was a member of the Arsenal team which won the FA Cup and Community Shield, whilst also reaching a first ever Champions League final.

Fabregas also proved to be a hit at Stamford Bridge and lifted two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and a League Cup title. The Spanish international retired from football at the end of last season and is now hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Barcelona alumni Pep Guardiola and Xavi by pursuing a career in management.

Fabregas is aiming to develop his own philosophy in football and is currently working as the U19 coach at Italian side Como - who he co-owns. The former midfielder remains an avid fan of the Premier League and has named three teams as his must watch viewing in English football.

One of those teams is unsurprisingly Fabregas’ former club Arsenal. He enjoyed a eight-year stint with the North London giants between 2003 and 2011 and claims his former club are very easy on the eye. He also hinted at a weakness in Arsenal’s squad depth while passing judgement.

Fabregas told The Mirror: “Arsenal use that 3-1-3-3 formation - which is six players in front of the ball. It’s about the coach trusting their defenders to be quicker, faster and recover the ball. Then they can play a little bit more attacking football. But you could see the difference when [William] Saliba was playing and got injured [last season]. Mikel will tell you himself that it’s not the same way they can play.”

Fabregas was also quick to praise Manchester City and his former manager Pep Guardiola, who worked alongside him at Barcelona. He added: “It’s the way they understand the game. They know when to slow it down, when to quicken up, when to find the right spaces. They know the right timing of when to attract players and to then accelerate.

Fabregas failed to mention his former club Chelsea in his essential viewing and instead praised a surprise club in Brighton. He claims that Roberto De Zerbi’s style mirrors Arsenal’s playing style from his playing days. He also describes the Italian as someone who he is learning from.

He explained: “How many times do we see them playing short, short, short and then [Solly] March and [Karou] Mitoma attacking the spaces and scoring in behind? They understand football in a way I love and believe it should be played.

“It reminds me of how we played in a certain way. It’s quick, sharp football and so unpredictable. If you press them high they will get you in behind, if you press them low they’ll keep playing short and find spaces. It’s very interesting and De Zerbi is someone I’m learning so much from.”