Davies praise for Fabregas

Davies lauds midfielder's qualities

By Chris Ellison   Last updated: 21st September 2007

Billy Davies

Davies: Special praise

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Derby County manager Billy Davies is preparing his team to face Cesc Fabregas on Saturday - a player he believes is potentially the best midfielder in the world.

The Rams are in a buoyant mood after recording their first Premier League win of the season against Newcastle on Monday - in their first year in the top flight since 2002 - but they face a tough test against Arsenal this weekend.

With all the talent that they possess in their squad, Davies believes Arsenal will be a force to be reckoned with this season, however with three league goals and two UEFA Champions League strikes already to his name this term, Fabregas is the man he fears the most.

Davies said: "Fabregas is one of the best, if not the best, midfield player in the world. He is a top, top player on great form.

"But they have so many good players. Look at their bench, they have top, top players on the bench. Look at the stand even, they have top quality players sitting in the seats of their stand."

Focus

Despite being aware of the threat the Gunners pose, Davies insists his team must focus on their own game and try to maintain the good form which earned them their first Premier League win of the season and lifted them off the bottom.

The Scot added: "Our first seven games were always going to be very difficult matches. We've played sides over the last few weeks who should finish in the top six - the Liverpools, the Newcastles, the Tottenhams.

"But Monday night was much more like it for us. You go to do your best and we'll try and get our players playing at their maximum on Saturday. We go down there to compete and to try and carry on from where we left off against another expensive unit in Newcastle.

"We are finding our feet but we know that doesn't guarantee us victories."

Kenny Miller - who scored the only goal of the game on Monday on his debut - is also highly rated by his manager.

Davies said: "You don't want to play against him because of his energy, his pace and his tremendous goalscoring ability. But it's not just Kenny, I look at our whole side and there's quality."