Latest Arsenal news: Fabregas – Vermaelen is strong and a leader

The Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was full of praise for Thomas Vermaelen, as the Belgian defender became the first ever new signing to win the Arsenal Player-of-the-Month award twice, in his first two months at the club.

I’m a big fan of him. He’s been doing so well,” Fabregas said on the official Arsenal website

“It’s difficult in this position, especially from centre back because you will always be compared to some other players, or if you know that your defence is one of your weaknesses then you have to do even better to be loved by the people, and I think the fans clicked straight away with him since his first game.

“He scored a goal [in his first game at Everton], played amazing, his confidence is high at the moment. And with the ball he’s really good. He’s like one more midfielder.

“These days, to have a centre back that can play, you know, these balls on the ground, between the lines, and past players, for players like me in midfield it’s really good because it gives you so much time and so much space on the ball. It’s really good.

“The way he is playing I don’t think he needs any advice. I am sure he is a very strong guy with a strong mentality. You can see he has been a captain before because he is strong and he knows how to lead a team.”

I think he likes him!

source justarsenal.com

Arsenal:Arsenal skipper Cesc happy great friend Rosicky again playing

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas admits he's thrilled to see Tomas Rosicky fit and playing again.

The Czech's mental fortitude during his 18-month spell on the sidelines helped Fabregas through his own four-month lay-off last term and brought the Arsenal squad closer together.

"Tomas Rosicky is probably one of the best friends I have, and he’s been injured for nearly two years," Fabregas told arsenal.com.

"It's great to have him back and I'm really happy for him. I have learned a lot from him as well - to be strong and keep believing. He believed in himself, that he could play football and it is great to see him play.

"I was with him every day, I went to his house - it’s like that. And I think team mates, we have to be like that as well. It was nice when they were coming to me [when I was injured]; it’s nice now that I go to them.

"The important thing is you don’t do it because you have to; you do it because you really want to do it. And I think that [at] Arsenal, there’s this feeling with everyone. It’s really good."