Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has hailed teammate Cesc Fabregas after his performance in this week's 5-2 win at Fenerbahce.

Almunia admitted: "The more I see of Cesc, the less he surprises me. Everyone in England knows how good he is.

"We have some fantastic midfield players in Spain although I don't think there are any better than Cesc.

"But every coach has his opinion and sometimes it is easier to put players into the first team who are playing in their own country.

"Here at Arsenal, Cesc is the biggest star but in Spain they have Marcos Senna, Andres Iniesta and Xavi - and the people there love those players.

"Maybe that is why it is more difficult for Cesc to get picked for Spain."