OPINION
Cesc Fabregas faces a huge game when Cheslea take on his former side Arsenal on Sunday in the FA Community Shield final.
The 30-year-old could be handed a role in the starting XI by manager Antonio Conte and it’s crucial that he takes that opportunity.
The Blues confirmed that Nemanja Matic completed his move to Manchester United on Monday and that has left a vacant position in the centre of their midfield.
N’Golo Kante and Matic were the preferred combination last season during the club’s Premier League title winning season, while Fabregas was restricted to a back-up role.
However, he could now have the chance to earn a permanent slot in the side and the Wembley final against Arsenal would be the perfect time to deliver a top performance.
Chelsea do have new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko as someone that could be a like-for-like replacement for Matic as they both are renowned for their defensive work.
He is still waiting to make his Blues debut since his £40million move from Monaco as he recovers from injury and it leaves the door wide open.
Fabregas is one of the most creative players in the Premier League, but there are questions marks whether he has the discipline to play in Conte’s physically demanding midfield.
The playmaker still contributed strongly to last season despite his role, scoring seven goals and supplying 15 assists in 38 appearances.
There is no doubting that the former Barcelona ace has the ability to dictate matches, but he now needs to prove he can also emulate Matic’s hard work in the middle of the pitch.