Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
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Cesc hails Gunners starlets

26 Sep 2008 - 08:30:17

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Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas claims the quality of the club's Carling Cup youngsters is forcing even a player of his calibre to look over his shoulder.

Fabregas, 21, was an interested spectator on Tuesday evening as the youngest ever side sent out by manager Arsene Wenger crushed Championship side Sheffield United 6-0 in the third round of the Carling Cup.

The Spain international is considered a cornerstone of Wenger's midfield, but even he has revealed his concern at the high quality of youngsters coming through the ranks at the Emirates Stadium.

Mexico forward Carlos Vela and strike partner Nicklas Bendtner shared five goals against the Blades, but the midfield was also bursting with teenage talent like Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Fran Merida and Mark Randall.

"I cannot go to sleep as one day or other they will want to play more and more and the manager will want them to play more," admitted Fabregas.

"I will have to be better and better. Wilshere, Ramsey, Merida - they all play in my position. This is great for me. I love competition.

"If the players are so young you can feel your place is too secure.

"So it's fantastic to have competition - to wake you up and make you a better player."