According to ESPN, Jack Wilshere has admitted to having missed the presence of Cesc Fabregas in the Arsenal squad since the Spaniard’s move to giants Barcelona, after the former club captain passed on invaluable knowledge and experience to the England international youngster during his nascent career days.

Fabregas has fully settled back into life in Spain, and his statistics with Barcelona are improving with each game that he participates in. The creative midfielder joined the Gunners from the very club he now represents, as a youngster in 2003. Arsene Wenger is always on the hunt for talented players, and Fabregas was one of Barcelona’s brightest talents, but did not have a certain future at the club due to the excellence of the then settled lineup. He made his cup debut for the Gunners in his opening season in 2003, and scored as a 16-year old midfielder. Since then, the influential Spanish international had been an evergreen figure in the Arsenal squad, playing over 30 Barclays Premier League games for the next four seasons in a row. The 26-year old did mention his desire to join Barcelona at some point, and the interest finally materialised in August 2011, as Fabregas showed no hesitation in signing on the dotted line for the Catalan champions. Fabregas has already scored 5 goals in the 13 appearances he has made for Barcelona this season, testament to his quality on the ball.

Wilshere had a similar career when he was given a chance by Wenger as a 16-year old to experience the first team setup at the club. Wilshere was scouted by several big clubs, but Wenger had a plan in mind to integrate Wilshere into the starting lineup when he gained experience. And for that purpose, Wenger sent him to Bolton Wanderers, where he gained valuable experience, which has now allowed him to be a part of the first team on a consistent basis.

The Gunners are in top form this season, and Wilshere has been central to the progress, helping to guide Arsenal to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Wilshere said, “The one I was really upset about leaving was Fabregas, I learned so much from just watching him,”

“He’s similar to me starting at a young age. I was the most upset about him leaving. But to arrive I’m excited about Ozil, he’s settled in nicely. His first game away at Sunderland he got an assist and was man of the match.”