Vilanova has encountered a problem which he must nip in the bud before it gets any bigger. Cesc Fàbregas’s performances in the first two league matches have been well down on what the fans expect of him.
Against Real Sociedad he played instead of Iniesta, and on Sunday he started out in the position usually occupied by Xavi. On both occasions, Fàbregas hardly figured. His ideal position is a type of ‘false number nine’, but here he is up against the untouchable Leo Messi. Tito has tried to find a place for him in midfield, being aware that Iniesta, and above all Xavi, are going to need to rest, but there, Cesc is a long way away from the area.
Last season proved that he does not perform well in this position. The ex-Arsenal player feels more comfortable playing closer to Messi, as he did in his first months at Barcelona. But Vilanova is oversubscribed in attacking positions - Villa, Pedro, Alexis, Cuenca, Afellay, and lately Tello. If Cesc plays further forward, many [more legitimate] forwards will remain on the bench.
And if he plays in midfield his performance trails off considerably. The biggest problem Cesc is facing is the lack of goals. If his performance does not improve in that department, he will find it increasingly difficult to play as an attacker.
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