William Gallas, the Arsenal captain, believes Cesc Fabregas has what it takes to become "the best player in the league".
The 20-year-old Spaniard moved his goal tally for the season into double figures with a late equaliser at Liverpool yesterday as Arsenal fought back to secure a deserved 1-1 draw to return to the top of the Barclays Premier League table.
Fabregas has been the consistent performer in Arsene Wenger's emerging squad this season, which has stepped from the shadow of talisman Thierry Henry to play with a new-found freedom and panache.
Gallas, 30, is in no doubt the young midfielder can continue to develop his talents to reach the very top. "He can be the best player in the league," he said. "To be the best you have to be good during one season and the season is very long.
"He has to know sometimes when he is tired, to not play a physical game because sometimes when they are young, they like to touch the ball too many times. Cesc has to save his energy, but he can be the best player."
Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool defender, has no doubt about Arsenal's title credentials after the stirring showdown at Anfield.
The former England defender stood defiant against waves of attacks from the north Londoners, whose stunning football brought constant spontaneous applause from the Kop yesterday.
Carragher's reaction after a compelling 1-1 draw in the Barclays Premier League said it all: "Are Arsenal as good as people say they are? You'd better believe it, I thought they had 12 men out there!"
yes,the best and arsenal's legend soon!