As a midfielder , Fàbregas lacked momentum and athleticism , so he had to be supported by defensive midfielders to give him additional space and time on the ball .
At Chelsea , Fàbregas played a similar playmaking role in midfield , using his technique , ball control , vision , and passing ability to dictate the tempo of his team 's play , while he was supported by defensive midfielders , in order to give him more space and time on the ball .
Cesc Fàbregas