Fabregas reveals message for young Arsenal duo after friendly draw

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas praised the club’s “amazing” young talents Max Dowman and Marli Salmon after Como’s 1-1 draw with the Gunners in pre-season.

Fabregas came through Arsenal’s academy as a youngster before establishing himself as a key player in the first team.

The Como boss had the opportunity to speak to the two youngsters after Wednesday’s friendly and encouraged them to continue working hard despite the challenges ahead.

“It’s amazing. It’s amazing because that’s what it’s all about,” Fabregas said.

“Hale End does an amazing job. There is a lot of talent, but if you don’t play these talents, if you don’t give trust to these talents, these talents get lost in the process, in the way, and it’s a big shame.”

“Really, I had a chance to say well done to them, but keep going,” he added.

“Keep going. Keep pushing yourself because it’s a big and long career full of ups and downs because they need to accept that not everything will be easy.”

Fabregas knows from his own experience how difficult it can be for young players to establish themselves at a club competing at the highest level.

“They play for one of the best clubs and teams in the world now where even Max, with the talent that he’s got, you know, it’s a challenge,” Fabregas said.

“It’s not easy to play at Arsenal because you’re challenging, you’re playing in your position against some of the best players in the world.”

Fabregas also suggested Como would happily take advantage if the Gunners were willing to send some of their youngsters to Italy.

“And if they want to give us some players as well, we can take them,” he joked.