Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas lauds 'complete' Gunners star ahead of title showdown against Manchester City

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Arsenal will take on title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday evening
Fabregas believes one player could be difference maker for Mikel Arteta's side
Why a defeat against Arsenal will be curtains for Man City's title defence - Listen to the It's All Kicking Off podcast

Published: 08:44 EDT, 29 March 2024 | Updated: 08:47 EDT, 29 March 2024

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Cesc Fabregas has heaped praise on one Arsenal player ahead of their title showdown against Manchester City.

The two sides will go head-to-head in a crunch clash at the Etihad on Sunday with huge stakes on the line.

Mikel Arteta's men currently sit top of the table, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference and one point in front of City ahead of the run-in.

Former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas has lauded Declan Rice as the 'complete package in midfield' and believes he could be the difference maker.

'He's brought dynamism, physicality, quality, intelligence, maturity. He's the complete package in midfield, in my opinion,' Fabregas said speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast.

Cesc Fabregas has picked heaped praise on one Arsenal player ahead of their trip to Man City

Mikel Arteta's men will go four points clear of the reigning champions with victory at the Etihad

'He can play also as a double-pivot, he can play by himself, he can play higher up as a No.8 and I think he looks like a very intelligent boy.

'He knows his limitations as well so I feel safe. I see him play and I'm like: 'I don't think this boy will make a mistake in this game.'

Fabregas added: 'Listen, I don't know what will happen on Sunday, but he gives you that trust that, in midfield, in big games, you want players who take responsibility, have personality, players who you can trust, especially against a top Manchester City team when they have so many players in midfield with so much quality.

'I think Arsenal, Arsenal fans, and Mikel, when they have Declan in there they feel safe. That's a very big plus for the team.'

Rice has been one of the signings of the season in the Premier League after joining Arsenal for £105million from West Ham.

Fabregas believes Declan Rice could be the difference maker against Pep Guardiola's men

He has been an ever-present in midfield for his new side, helping them in another Premier League title chase and to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The midfielder, who this week made his 50th cap for England, has been used as a holding midfielder and also given an advanced role under Arteta, with six goals and seven assists to his name across all competitions.

A win on Sunday will see Arteta's men go four points clear of City and currently also have a goal difference that is 11 goals superior.

Mikel Arteta Cesc Fabregas