Cesc Fabregas

Position: Midfielder

Born: 04.05.87
Club: Arsenal

One of the most exciting young talents in European football, Cesc Fabregas has had to step into some big shoes at club level, replacing the enormously influential Patrick Vieira in the Arsenal midfield.

And it is testament to his ability that he has proved an excellent replacement, if not in the Premiership then certainly in the Champions League.

The youngest-ever Arsenal goalscorer having found the net at the age of 16 years and 212 days in the 5-1 League Cup win against Wolves in December 2003, Fabregas has gone on to become an integral part of their first-team squad and has won widespread praise for his mature performances.

For Spain, he was still playing at Under-17 level two years ago and only made his senior debut in March but his efforts in helping Arsenal into the Champions League final could well see him sneak a starting spot this summer.

If he does that, it would mark a phenomenal rise to fame for the former Barcelona youngster, but all the signs so far are he will take everything in his stride and rise to the occasion.