Cesc Numero Uno

Cesc Fabregas, the Premier Leagues pass master, scored his first goal for the Spanish national team in an impressive performance by Spain in their opening European Championship game against Russia tonight.

As a 54th minute substitute Cesc replaced Torres when Spain were already holding a 2 goal lead. Twenty minutes later and a superb 35 yard slide rule pass from him set up David Villa for his hat trick. His own goal came after Xavi`s powerful volley was blocked by Akinfeev with Cesc diving in to head home the rebound. Spain ran out as 4-1 winners.

Earlier Fabregas had spoken of the difficulties in making it into a Spanish midfield with a surfeit of midfield talent.

'You have to analyse the way we play for the national team. At Arsenal there is only one channel between the defence and attack and that is me, so I'm involved in practically all of the attacks but here with Spain there are more variations, more ways of attacking. It's up to me to adapt. Xavi is an incredible player. He is used to playing in this type of system and it's impossible not to connect the offence through him" he said, perhaps reflecting that his move to Arsenal had indeed provided him with a chance show his talent earlier than would have been permitted at Barcelona.

"I'll play when I'm called. If you come off the bench, you can always make the difference. I have to be ready for that moment" he concluded prophetically.

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