Is it time to let Cesc go?

With the summer coming upon us there a bunch of conversations we will all have as Arsenal fans. Some of them we will all agree on, others will be about as divisive as the civil war. But they are conversations that are going to happen so why not have them.

That is why I want to explore whether or not it is time to consider if Cesc Fabregas has taken us as far as he can. Yes, that means what you think it means – is it time to give Cesc what he wants – a return to Barcelona.

Now, when I get into these conversations I always feel the need to caveat things. First, this is a way for us as supporters to have a discussion, just because I ask the question doesn’t mean I actually feel that way as a supporter. I just want us to discuss it. Secondly, if you cannot respect this and the opinions of people who agree or disagree – please don’t comment.  Everyone, pro and con is entitled to their opinion.

With that said let’s get in to it shall we?

This past Sunday was a glimpse into the future. Whether that future is immediate or in the long off zone – it is the future. It is likely that the fulcrum of this Arsenal team within the next few years will be centred on Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey in the middle of the pitch. If this past weekend’s rehearsal is any indication, we will have a dominating midfield for a long time.

So does that mean it is time to off-load Cesc Fabregas and use the funds for other areas? Well, I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks that one performance on the pitch is any reason to give Cesc his gold pen, a pat on the back and thank you as he leaves. If that were our only reason then I would say, absolutely not, Cesc has to stay – this past weekend could have been an anamoly.

But here’s the thing what I did see was a team that was more direct and took more chances around  the box then when Cesc is on the pitch. There is no arguing that Cesc is a midfied maestro capable of creating beauty – just recently when he saw the high line Blackpool where playing almost every pass to RvP resulted in a clear chance. But it is that ability that may have become a crutch to this team and their overreliance on him to get them out of jams when things don’t go well for the club.

Every pass goes through Fabregas. Every play. And when things aren’t developing for the other players they send it back to Fabregas in hopes that he can unlock the defence and set them free. Except that I think that it freezes our other players at times while they wait for him to do what he can do.

I noticed on Sunday that even though we were passing around the United box, there were still more attempts to bring it in by individual players. Additionally, I saw more chances. Sure, part of that was the way that United played. But when it looked like United had 10 men behind the ball we were still  a lot more attacking in nature then we have been. When Cesc is on the pitch the players simply believe he can solve their inability for them.

Whether that’s right, wrong, fair or not, it does seem to be the case.  He is undeniably the engine that makes this Arsenal team grow.  Many of the pieces that have been brought in, were brought in, in the hope that they would compliment his style rather than rely on it. I’m not so sure it has happened.

Additionally, I belive this team, win or lose, shows more of a unit like structure when they don’t have Cesc on the field. They free themselves from having him on the pitch. They try and take matters into their own hands. There is more movement of the ball and frankly we look a lot quicker.

No, Fabregas is not slow. But when the ball is passed to him, he is very deliberate looking for the next two or three moves. That deliberate nature slows the team down. Its not necessairly a bad thing but a team that is built to burn you on the counter – it can have a halting effect.

This overreliance is very similar to what the team experienced in the wanning days of Thierry Henry. Everything was through him. The biggest difference is that Henry was in the twilight and was able to carry that load. I am not sure someone of 24 was ready for that kind of load.

Look, it is likely that Arsenal need to keep him. He is still the best creative midfielder in the league. Its not a talent you easily replace. There is also no guarantee that were he to leave that we wouldn’t be taking a step back. All these are things to weigh in on the decision.

But we have young, talented, and hungry players who are showing on the pitch for Arsenal or on loan for other clubs that they want to play. Cesc has been hit and miss. Maybe its time?

Post Script:

So we’ve asked the question. What do I really think? I do think we tend to rely on Cesc’s presence on the pitch too much. Additionally, I think he is becoming hurt more than he is playing. But still when he is fit – really, there aren’t many better. I think you have to keep him at least for another season. See how Ramsey develops and whether or not there are any lingering effects to his injury. The last thing you want is to jettison a player like Cesc and then find out Ramsey (the heir apparent) is going to wind up like Eduardo.

Finally, I don’t think Barcelona have the ability to meet the asking price of Arsenal. Unless they sell. They will only come in with a £35 million bid.  Arsenal aren’t going to take it – that is unless they feel they have no other choice but to sell Cesc. I don’t think they have reached that point yet.

I love watching Cesc as a player. Though admittedly this season has been less than a joy because it just seems to me at times he really is just going through the motions. I hope I am wrong. I hope that come August, Cesc is part of the team and is building on what was learnt this past season.