The new system offers Arsenal the fluidity that their pass-and-move game requires. While Fabregas is allowed to buzz around the pitch, Alex Song and one other from Diaby, Denilson and Wilshere are tasked with holding the fort. The new formation works because Fabregas is so gifted at finding space and picking out his team-mates with those typically perfect-weighted passes.

Cesc clearly enjoys the attacking opportunities his new role offers  - although he does admit missing the rough and tumble midfield action. "When I started at Arsenal we were playing 4-4-2, I was one of those two in the middle so I could come very deep to get the ball," he explains. "Now my position is higher up on the pitch, sometimes I don't touch the ball as often as I used to, so I have to be patient. But I know I'm in this part of the pitch where I can do dangerous things in terms of giving the final ball, and I have more time to go to dangerous positions to score a goal as well."

When you build a team and a formation around a player, there's always going to be a problem when that player isn't there. Over the last three seasons, Cesc has had his fair share of injuries although Arsenal are fortunate enough to have enough talented players who can fill in. Nasri, Rosicky, Arshavin, Diaby, Wilshire and Ramsey are all equipped to step into Cesc's size nines when required. However, the truth is, none can yet dictate a game or pick a stubborn defence's lock quite like the skipper.

The real problem will arise should Barcelona finally get their way and bring their prodigal son back home. Statistics reveal that the Gunners rely on their mini maestro to an alarming extent. If you are an Arsenal fan then the following figures should probably be fitted with a health warning. Of the last 50 games, Fabregas has played 30: Arsenal have won 67 per cent of these, drawn 10 per cent and lost 23 per cent. In his absence, the team have managed to win just 50 per cent of their games, drawing 25 per cent and losing the rest. Without Fabregas, Arsenal's average points per game drops from 2.1 to 1.75  -  extrapolate this over 38 games and the Gunners would have ended last season with just 67 points - battling it out with Manchester City for a spot in the Europa League instead of a title charge.

Stats don't tell you everything; after all, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshire have made giant strides this season and would, you imagine, continue to blossom should they be given the responsibility in Cesc's absence.

Furthermore, if Fabregas did leave for Barca it wouldn't be cheaply. Wenger could always use the cash to strengthen his side's leaky defence. A reliable new goalkeeper would go a long way to helping the side.

Tottenham and Manchester City, however, are circling Arsenal like vultures and the loss of Fabregas would only serve to hearten them. Without the Gunners' captain and most valuable player, you suspect the task of securing Champions League football may just prove a bridge too far for them next season. Unless, of course, Wenger pulls another rabbit out of the hat. After all, before he plucked him from The Masia who had ever heard of Francesc Soler Fabregas?

This article appeared in the February 2011 issue of Australian FourFourTwo magazine. To buy back copies of this issue call 03-8317-8121 with a credit card to hand.