Fabregas gets Aragones backing

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas earned praise from Spain coach Luis Aragones after making his international debut in the 3-2 friendly win over the Ivory Coast.

The 18-year-old became the youngest player in 70 years to play for Spain in Valladolid last night, and was instrumental in setting up striker David Villa for his country’s opening goal.

Aragones said: “I don’t like to pick out players individually when the team plays like they did, but like I have said before, Fabregas is very much like Xavi (the Barcelona midfielder who is currently out injured) in that he is very sure on the ball.”