Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reckons Alex Song has filled the creative void left by Cesc Fabregas.
It’s a bit of a bold statement by the 18-year-old, who has shone for the Gunners since his summer switch from Southampton, but perhaps an accurate one due to the Cameroon international’s assist rate, which currently stands at eight – the same amount as both Nani and Gareth Bale.
The Ox has been impressed by Song’s contribution this season and says the 24-year-old midfielder is as influential off the pitch as he is on it.
Quoted in The Sun, Chamberlain said:
‘I can’t remember the last game he didn’t play – he is always there. Sometimes you don’t notice the stuff he does, the defensive side of the game, but he is always there cleaning up.’
He went on to say:
‘Obviously he has been bringing assists to the team as well. Some of the passes he has been putting in, like for two of the unbelievable volleys Robin has scored, reminds me technically of watching Fabregas put those balls through.
‘For a holding midfielder to do that, as well as the defensive side of the game, is brilliant. You can’t ask for anything more.’
Chambo finished off by saying:
‘He has been brilliant for us all season and he is a really good guy to have in the dressing room as well. He is always happy and putting smiles on everyone’s faces – he is a massive part of the squad.’
Now let me start off by saying what Chambo has said is 100% true. Song is a massive player for us and has upped his game since the departure of Cesc last summer.
However, I think a lot of credit should go to the man that plays alongside him in midfield for his resurgence, Mikel Arteta.
With the Spaniard sitting in a deeper role than he is used to, doing the dog work in midfield, this has ultimately allowed Song more freedom to get forward and try the extravagant pass.
Has Song filled the creative void left by Fabregas? I don’t think so.
As much as Song has done for us already this season, assisting with eight goals and producing some impressive displays, Fabregas and him are two completely different players. The Spaniard has unbelievable passing range, vision and awareness, composure on the ball technical ability, whereas Song has a great work-rate, strength and desire to win. But I do understand AOC’s logic behind his latest comments.
I for one hope to see a creative midfielder come in this summer and plug the hole that Cesc left once and for all. If Arsene Wenger can do this and sign a quality striker to help out Robin van Persie with the goals, I can see us challenging for the title next season, hopefully lifting it as well!
What do you guys think – Has Song filled Cesc’s boots, or do we still need to address this matter in the summer?
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Has he filled the Cesc void?
How does “no” sound?
clossebut nooo but very close
AOC must have watched the tapes of game played by FAB while he was injured. Alex and the spaniard are very differnt players. Alex is strong and wld fight till their is no air in him again. Fab was like James Bond.
I agree with you but comparison unfair to Song. Can’t compare playmaker v DM but he stands his ground v Ramsey which proves that Ramsey is poor. I struggle to name a top DM who also makes as many assists as Song in the world. Busquet, etc. no. Club win record much worse when Song is NOT playing, clear evidence of his value. Less apples and pears please.
Song is a box to box player, very much like Essien and that’s a very different player than a creative midfielder. Essien got some goals and assists due to his ability to cover the pitch and it’s the same with Song. However to imply that Song can be the cover for a player like Cesc who can hit 20 assists a season is ridiculous. It’s not a knock on Song because he’s a magnificent midfielder but to compare them is a non-issue.
I’m not sure the OX said alex has filled cesc’s shoes,he only said he reminds him of cesc which is pretty laughable,like someone said he saw tapes of an injured cesc or probably another cesc which we all dont know in his dreams
in ernest we shouldn’t discourage Alex as he has surpass our expectation. In his defensive cover he’s awesome n he has taken his game to another level by concentrating less on getting goals but giving final balls. We can’t underestimate Arteta’s game timing knowing when to tell Alex to move and stay. He will be superb next season.
Hey!.. plz,if ma memories are clear when arteta is out,we won hard or lose the games.so plz dont acting lyk we don acknowledge his contribution on the team pleaz gooners lets act smart forever.
i think it’s a great strategy to play arteta deeper and song in more advance position. opposition don’t normally close down “defensive midfielder” so i think that’s why song can take his time to pick up passes. credit to him, he got the ability to hit those difficult passes.
A BIG NO for me…we didnt need another creative mid coz we already have enough and adequate cover for that positions. Imagine, Arteta, Rosicky, Wilshere, Ramsey..the latter two still developing and who knows might be better than Fab4…what we really need is a superb striker who can beat defenders like a piece of cake, to cover Persie. Some1 like Podolski, or maybe Tevez? really like to see what Campbell can do for us next season…
We also need a cover for Szczesny…He is superb, hands up..But WHAT IF HE GET INJURIES DURING THE SEASON? Can fabianski or mannone keep up the good work? Or do u agree with me that we might need some1 that can b trusted like Vorm, Krul, Given??
I agree with u.. We dun need another creative mid. Wilshere will most likely play in the fab role next season alongside arteta and song holding the midfield for him. Let’s not forget we still have Ramsey and rosicky that can play in midfield as well. Lansbury could play there too, and chambo as well.
What we really need is podolski. Let’s just hope that koln is just really delaying announcing his signing for us, due to fear of fans backlash.. But I really hope to see him play upfront with RVP.
Probably we can revert back to 442, if needed.. Like the invincibles.. We can rip teams apart!!
We do need another quality striker!! Defense we are fine.. It would be better if vertonghen joins us and DJ leaving us.. But even if this doesn’t take place.. We still have a good defense.
GK-wise.. I hope mannone would be the backup. Not fabianski!!