On the shores of Lake Como, the club’s young players are reaching pivotal moments in their careers, stepping up to senior international level and crediting manager Cesc Fabregas’ tactical philosophy and daily guidance for their breakthroughs.
Fabregas’ philosophy and Como’s progressive project
Como manager Cesc Fabregas has been described as playing a pivotal role in the rapid rise of defenders and midfielders at the ambitious Italian club. Como’s project is described as progressive and is said to be propelling rising talents onto the senior international stage. Jacobo Ramon and Mattia Liberali acknowledge that working daily under Fabregas has accelerated their maturity by years. Both have experienced career-defining breakthroughs on the shores of Lake Como and link those steps to Fabregas’ footballing vision.
Jacobo Ramon’s development and first Spain call-up
Spanish centre-back Jacobo Ramon left Real Madrid to secure regular minutes and showcase his abilities. He emphasized that Fabregas quickly won over the entire dressing room with his clear footballing vision. Ramon said: “Cesc trusted me after I left Madrid, explained everything to me, and his philosophy fits perfectly with my style. And I'm incredibly grateful.” He also highlighted Fabregas’ communication: “The way he communicates things. It resonates with everyone. He's got us all hooked, both starters and substitutes, and that's no easy feat. We're all passionate about his ideas, and it's showing.” Under Fabregas’ tutelage, Ramon has added six kilos of muscle to cope with the physical demands of Italian football while maintaining his eye for goal. He has now earned his first senior Spain call-up, being summoned for the first time by head coach de la Fuente.
Mattia Liberali’s stylistic leap and Italy debut in sight
Italian teenager Mattia Liberali left a major Milan club in search of elite development. After a developmental loan spell in Calabria, he made a stylistic leap from Serie B to the intensity of Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. Liberali said: “It wasn't easy to go from Serie B to the intensity of Serie A and the Champions League.” During this transition, Fabregas provided guidance in adapting to the intensity of Serie A and the Champions League and instilled confidence in him. Liberali said: “Fabregas is helping me a lot and giving me a lot of confidence.” He added: “It's going really well with him and also with the fantastic group.” During Como’s emphatic European victory over Lens, Liberali scored his maiden Champions League goal. That first goal against Lens capped off a week that culminated in his senior Italy call-up by Roberto Mancini. Liberali reflected: “So much has happened in a short time, for me it's been a wonderful week, the best of my life.” He aims to bring his club form onto the international stage as Italy prepare for crucial UEFA Nations League tests against France and Belgium.
International break showcases Como’s global reach
The international break highlights Como’s global footprint with as many as 12 Como players representing their respective national sides. Among Como’s international selections are the first senior Italy call-ups for 2007-born Mattia Liberali and 2009-born midfielder Riccardo Cassano. Como captain Lucas Da Cunha will once again play for France following his maiden call-up, lining up for France in fixtures against Italy and Turkey. Como’s elite young talent is described as continuing to turn heads across European football.
