After recently criticising Arsene Wenger's policy of relying too heavily on youth, midfielder Cesc Fabregas has made a quick u-turn by claiming Arsenal's young guns are the envy of the footballing world.
Fabregas, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona when he was just 16, is now the older statesman of the midfield, having witnessed the departures of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan, Alexander Hleb to Barca and Gilberto Silva to Panathinaikos.
In their place, Wenger has handed starting roles to Theo Walcott, Denilson, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, and despite losing to Fulham and Hull in the Premier League, have shown a maturity that belies their age.
Fabregas had previously said their lack of experience would prove costly when it comes to challenging for domestic and European honours, moaning: "Our squad is a bit short on numbers and we are very young. We find it very hard to win matches, as we don't possess enough experience."
However, a new day would appear to bring a fresh perspective, with the 21-year-old Spain international saying: "Arsene has built an unbelievable squad here. Yes, we do have a lot of young players. But they have all shown they can handle it at the top level in the Premier League and the Champions League.
"We're the envy of every other club and it's so exciting to be a part of that. It's hard to imagine I'm one of the oldest players at the club now but it will be a privilege to help guide some of these youngsters through.
"The future is bright. Players like Theo Walcott, Denilson and Samir Nasri have shown real class and I'm positive we have the quality to challenge for the title.
"I've complete trust in the manager's policy. Arsene is the best at giving youngsters a chance. No-one else comes close to him for that. He doesn't care how old you are, as long as you are good enough, and has the confidence to give young players a chance.
"Anything said to the contrary is simply not true. I'd like to reiterate to all Arsenal supporters that I am 100 per cent behind the team and manager."
Reports suggest Wenger may be adding 21-year-old goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to his squad in January.
The £6m-rated Wolves player has impressed the Frenchman with fine performances for both club and country, and shone in Wales' 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat against Germany on Wednesday.
Fabregas, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona when he was just 16, is now the older statesman of the midfield, having witnessed the departures of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan, Alexander Hleb to Barca and Gilberto Silva to Panathinaikos.
In their place, Wenger has handed starting roles to Theo Walcott, Denilson, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, and despite losing to Fulham and Hull in the Premier League, have shown a maturity that belies their age.
Fabregas had previously said their lack of experience would prove costly when it comes to challenging for domestic and European honours, moaning: "Our squad is a bit short on numbers and we are very young. We find it very hard to win matches, as we don't possess enough experience."
However, a new day would appear to bring a fresh perspective, with the 21-year-old Spain international saying: "Arsene has built an unbelievable squad here. Yes, we do have a lot of young players. But they have all shown they can handle it at the top level in the Premier League and the Champions League.
"We're the envy of every other club and it's so exciting to be a part of that. It's hard to imagine I'm one of the oldest players at the club now but it will be a privilege to help guide some of these youngsters through.
"The future is bright. Players like Theo Walcott, Denilson and Samir Nasri have shown real class and I'm positive we have the quality to challenge for the title.
"I've complete trust in the manager's policy. Arsene is the best at giving youngsters a chance. No-one else comes close to him for that. He doesn't care how old you are, as long as you are good enough, and has the confidence to give young players a chance.
"Anything said to the contrary is simply not true. I'd like to reiterate to all Arsenal supporters that I am 100 per cent behind the team and manager."
Reports suggest Wenger may be adding 21-year-old goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to his squad in January.
The £6m-rated Wolves player has impressed the Frenchman with fine performances for both club and country, and shone in Wales' 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat against Germany on Wednesday.
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