Francesc Fábregas Soler FC Barcelona 2002

“The Premier Cup is a good experience for all young players. It conditions you to play in a tournament at a high competitive level. At that age this can be a valuable experience that you can use later in your professional career.”

Another product of the FC Barcelona youth academy and Premier Cup team-mate to Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué, “Cesc” Fabregas was snapped up by English Premiership club Arsenal in September 2003. He made history for his new club by becoming their youngest ever first team player and the youngest goal scorer in Arsenal’s history.

Fabregas won the Golden Boot and the most valuable player award at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. A key member of the Spanish squad in the 2004 UEFA U-17 European Championship, he scored a vital last minute goal to take the team through to the final. He also starred for Spain at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, making his senior debut in an exhibition match against China in March 2005.

Named in the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year, “Cesc” has also been nominated for both PFA Players’ Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year. He was also an important part of the Spanish team to lift the Euro 2008 trophy, their first European Championship since 1964.