Cesctistics 101

A lot of speculation occurred over the summer on whether Barça would transfer for or even need Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal originally wanted 60m in transfer fees for the sensational, world-class Spanish midfielder. Barcelona thought their prodigal son should return home for free. In any case, such as these, they found a common median and on August 15th, the transfer deal became complete for around 29m plus extra variables and Cesc flew home in a private jet crying tears of happiness and depression, all at once.

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Of course, the majority of you know all these details as this was the most drawn-out transfer story that I can ever remember. I'm not going to bore you with a history lesson because this is Cesctistics 101. You are here to be educated about Barça's new #4. Some of you will inevitable find holes in my lecture but let me say this first, you are wrong and I am right. Good, glad you agree. Now since that's out of the way we can resume. Stats don't tell the entire story of a player's skill and contribution but some figures just can't be ignored. Let's start with Cesc's debut in the blaugrana versus their arch-rival on:

Aug 17: Spanish Super Cup 2nd Leg vs Real Madrid (at Camp Nou):

Subbed In ~ 81st minute after Benzema levels the aggregate score at 4-4
Minutes Played ~ 16
Player Impact ~ Involved in the team passing build up to the final decisive goal.
Cesc's Goal Differential(+/-)  ~  +1
Barcelona win 3-2


Aug 22: Gamper Trophy match vs Napoli (at Camp Nou):
In the Starting XI
Minutes Played ~ 57
Player Impact ~ 1 goal, 25'
Cesc's Goal Differential(+/-)  ~  +2
Barcelona win 5-0


Aug 26: UEFA Super Cup vs Porto (at Stade Louis II, Monaco):
Subbed In ~ 80th minute
Minutes Played ~ 10
Player Impact ~ 1 goal, 87'
Cesc's Goal Differential(+/-)  ~  +1
Barcelona win 2-0


Aug 29: La Liga opener vs Villarreal (at Camp Nou):
In the Starting XI
Minutes Played ~ 70
Player Impact ~ 1 goal, 1 assist
Cesc's Goal Differential(+/-)  ~  +4
Barcelona win 5-0


Sept 2: International Friendly - Spain vs Chile (at AFG Arena):
Subbed In ~ 64th minute
Minutes Played ~ 30
Player Impact ~ 2 goals, 71' & 90+1'
Cesc's Goal Differential(+/-)  ~  +2
Spain win 3-2


{background music (on repeat): Kings of Leon - Cesc on Fire}


Let's review. Since being transferred to Barcelona, Cesc has competed in 5 matches, played 183 minutes (a little over two 90 minute games), scored 5 goals, along with 1 assist. He has an other-worldly goal/minute ratio of 1 goal every 36.6 minutes played! Yes, that is better than either Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo right now. When Cesc is out on the pitch, his teams have scored 10 and allowed zero goals in those 5 matches and won all 5. People questioned whether he would even see the pitch for Barcelona and I just laughed at all that nonsense. And I'm laughing even more because. . . . .


"THIISSSSSS CESCCCC ISSS ONN FIIIRE!"