It would be unfair to call Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas a rising star even if he is just 19.

With a Champion's league final under his belt and a regular spot on Arsenal's starting lineup, the youngest player in Spain's squad enters the World Cup well aware of his own accomplishment.

"It's my first World Cup, but all I can say is that I'm ready to play it," Fabregas told The Associated Press at team practice Friday. "I feel motivated because the team's confidence is really high. They are motivating me as well so I'm ready _ even if I'm only 19 years old."

He is often mentioned, along with England's Wayne Rooney and Argentina's Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, one of the next generation of international stars.

Spain coach Luis Aragones realized the Arsenal teenager was too good to pass on after he shone for Arsenal in the Champions League. Fabregas starred in wins over Juventus and Real Madrid, and started in the final that Arsenal lost to FC Barcelona, his first club.

"He is enjoying a great season in Arsenal's first team. He's very young but he's very controlled," Aragones said.

Fabregas started friendlies against Russia and Egypt and came on as a second-half substitute in Spain's final warmup against Croatia.

Used to a relatively free role under Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, the midfielder has had to adapt to a more rigid position on the right side of Aragones' 4-3-3 formation.

"We're playing a different system here. In Arsenal, I'm moving all over the place," he said. "Here I know I have to be more in one position."

Fabregas, who scored five times for Arsenal this season, still awaits his first goal for "la seleccion." But his pinpoint passing fits perfectly with Spain's style of play, and he's determined to help the team avoid another World Cup disappointment.

"I'm very confident because I know the level of the team," he said. "We know how to play football, we like to play the ball on the ground. We have one of the best teams from a technical aspect."

Spain is favored to win Group H, ahead of Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. It kicks off against Ukraine on Wednesday.