Cesc Fabregas has made an early attempt to nab a spot in incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s plans by declaring that he could play as a deep-lying playmaker.
The deep-lying playmaker, or Regista, was made most famous in modern times by Andrea Pirlo. The elegant Italian midfielder first starred there for Milan over a decade ago between 2001 and 2011.
However, Fabregas, who earns £200,000-a-week (via Telegraph) , believes he can play in the Pirlo role for Conte at Chelsea next season.
When asked by Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football if he can play in the deep- lying role, Fabregas said: “You can never say never.”
“I have very honest with myself, I am not the quickest player, I am not the most mobile in terms of defensive abilities so I always have to be well perfected with the players from the back, midfield and strikers with very composed lines.
“But why not? I love coming deep to get the ball. I love long-range passes and connecting with people at the front.”
Despite making his name at Arsenal as an attacking midfielder and his struggles in a deeper role for Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, Fabregas could thrive for Conte playing as a Regista.
His range of passing has never been questioned, nor his ability to make penetrative through-balls that find team-mates. While, like Pirlo, he is no defensive mastermind, Fabregas made 2.28 tackles per game last season – highlighting how he’s prepared to get stuck in.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s next game following their humiliating 3-0 loss at home to Man City, sees them face Bournemouth.
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