It’s not just that Song has more assists than anyone else in the team either. It is the type and timing of his assists that is so impressive. Being an Arsenal fan you got used to seeing Fabregas neatly chipping balls over the last line of the defenders for Van Persie to run on to and many, myself included, thought that Arteta would be the man who would be capable of this, but week after week when I’m at The Emirates and I watch our captain make those runs behind the defence, Arteta always fails to play the type of ball that the Dutchman has become used to. Song however is not afraid to try this sort of pass and you only need look at our last game to see an example of that. Without any attacking full-backs we had to attack through the centre and the only player who could muster a pass good enough to evade the well-organised Everton defence was Song. Obviously Van Persie’s finish was sublime, but the fact remains it was the only decent service he got all game, and it came from our ‘holding midfielder’.
Song isn’t getting these assists when we’re 5-0 up in the Carling Cup either, he’s getting them in important games at important times. For example, in the Champions League at home against both Olympiakos and Dortmund, he provided wonderful assists for the opening goals. Similarly, he did this against Everton on Saturday and his assist for Santos’ goal against Chelsea was truly exquisite. His first touch took him away from the Chelsea defenders and then to play a 30-yard through ball off your wrong foot is not to be understated. His performances have truly been spectacular this year. As well as his vastly improved attacking prowess this year his defensive performances have been better than ever. Against Everton he won back possession 7 times through tackles and made 4 interceptions, more than any other player from either side.
Nobody doubts that Robin van Persie has been the driving factor behind Arsenal’s success this season, his goals have been irreplaceable, but as Thierry Henry pointed out in his speech at the unveiling of his new statue outside The Emirates – a striker, no matter how many goals they score, is nothing without their team-mates, and Alex Song’s performances this year have proved that he is up there with the most important of them all.
Click HERE to see the original article. This article was first published on FootballFanCast
Written by Hamish Mackay
I wouldn’t dare imagine of our beloved Arsenal without song, God forbid!
I remember when some fans couldn’t wait to see the back of Alex Song! Wenger however persisted with him because he & I (I must get that in quick)saw something specialin this guy. Once he finished his loan spell with Charlton (if memory serves me right) he was a different footballer altogether. Now the same fans can sing loudly, ‘there is only one Song’!! What a turnaround! Could we see the same with Chamakh or is his a long dead case?
Infact is 1 of the best defencive midfielder in World..
Spot on..!! Same light as yaya toure..
It’s crazy to call Song a defensive midfield. As far as I can see he’s a all round midfield. He hustle and get close to players and defense with his life. But he also scores important goals get the other end. His passing has been much more aggressive then before, he has given many important goal scoring passes. With Arteta partnering him and tidying things up at the back and holding up the ball when needed. We’re seeing the amazing attributes from Song. I’ve always been a fan ever since he played for Chartlon. Amazing to see how much he has developed. Wenger once said Song didn’t have the engine to play in the middle and he would be better suited at the back. Well, he’s certainly made his case and now he is undroppable. Hope he stays at Arsenal for life.
SONG is a vantastic player and he’s also a role model to Frimpong and Coquelin.
In the whole World Xabi Alonso is the only DMF that’s better than him.
SONG would be like the Combination of Alonso+Makelele in the not-too-far future.
Pze song perfect your role. Don’t tend to be on abusy body,instead of giving cover to our defense you are always on the opponents box. Look at how many goals we have concided are all from our middlefield,people are praising yet you are the one who make us loose
I’ll like to see some stat comparison between him and Arteta. Especially in terms of games won and lost with them playing.
ahh…i see…for some reason i read that bottom part as available now and not available soon…my bad