I remember in an interview a while back when they were interviewing Cesc about his 2nd half season run of bad form, he would talk about how he was trying too hard to play like and "become" Xavi or Iniesta, and he wasn't being true to himself. Basically, saying that subconsciously he didn't think his own way was good enough and that he tried to play exactly like Iniesta or exactly like Xavi in order to succeed in Barca midfield. He was probably overthinking things like a motha, not playing easily and naturally and instinctively/in-the-moment.
Now it seems like he has finally gotten over that. I'm sure he has learned TONS from the legendary duo over the last 2 seasons, but it seems like now he has gained trust and confidence in his own unique abilities and styles and strenghs/weakness and is just playing naturally like plain old Cesc. And since he's been playing like that he has been playing infinitely better, more naturally, more confidently and more fluidly and it is really paying off. His talents and gifts lie primarily in attacking and directly creating... he is now learning to blend those innate talents with the know-how of maintaining possession and operating in Barcelona's midfield.
As long as he keeps this up I predict he will just keep going up and up, getting better and better. That self-doubt had to have been a huge hurdle for him to overcome.. it is for anyone. Nothing will limit you potential more than doubting and not believing in yourself. I think that is the same problem both he and Alexis had last year. And for some reason it seems like they have both worked that shit out. They are looking great. I'm looking forward to more great things from Cesc, he really is and always has been an awesome player.
And I do agree that Iniesta is a better replacement for Xavi's position that Cesc, Iniesta can keep possession and dictate tempo tremendously, and that would free up Fabregas to play further up the pitch closer to the goal and do that magical creating we all know he can do.