Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas feels he is a similar player to Spanish teammate and Barcelona pass master Xavi.

The Spaniard said: “I believe I’m more like Xavi. He’s a player whom I’ve paid a lot of attention to and I try to learn as much as possible from him because it’s a spectacle to watch him play.”

Since Fabregas’ return from injury Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has deployed him in a more advanced role, but the diminutive playmaker added: “Now I have more freedom and I don’t have to defend so much, but I prefer to be further back”

“I see myself playing better as a double pivot because I am not fast, I am not strong and I’m not too agile. I rely on my passing and my playmaking.”

The young Spanish star also revealed his idol growing up is the current incumbent of the Nou Camp hot seat.

He said: “My idol has always been Pep Guardiola. He is very intelligent and he has clear ideas. He was not physically gifted, but his vision and his passing were exceptional.”