The Blaugrana star has set his sights on replacing the playmaker in the distant future after appearing to cast doubt over the longevity of his development as a 'false nine'

Cesc Fabregas has revealed that he sees himself as a potential heir to Xavi's throne at Barcelona once the midfielder hangs up his boots.

The 25-year-old has played a variety of roles at Camp Nou since his transfer from Arsenal last summer, despite playing in a similar position to the ageing performer while under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.

He was also experimented as a 'false nine' en route to Spain's success at Euro 2012, but Fabregas now hopes to one day take on the mantle that Xavi will eventually leave behind for both club and country.



"I see myself as a replacement for Xavi because my beginnings as a player were in the same position," Fabregas told El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I was pushed forward by circumstances. I believe that there will never be another Xavi."

But while he harbours ambitions of becoming a central player in the coming years, Fabregas is nonetheless happy to be deployed in more advanced positions on the pitch, as he believes it allows him to refine other areas of his game.

"I am finding myself more and more [as a false nine]," he added. "With Tito, I have almost always played [inside]. He thinks I can improve in this aspect."