Alex Song: New Match-Winner for Premier League side Arsenal
When Patrick Vieira left Arsenal, there was a serious drought in the defensive midfield position. For almost a season, Mathieu Flamini assumed the role of a goal-scoring defensive midfielder, but he was way short of being a match
winner for his team. However, Flamini left after only one season of good football at Arsenal, leaving the job for some youngster coming out from Arsenal’s youth academy.
Although, throughout the years, Arsenal has produced a lot of quality from the youngsters, the role of a defensive midfielder did not suit anyone. The problems remained until Alex Song made it to the first-team and started playing
in the traditional Vieira role. Song came as a centre-back in Arsenal’s squad, but was shifted to the defensive midfield position. This decision has proved vital for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, because it has helped him overcome his weak position.
In the beginning, Alex Song did not have a great time at his club. The Cameroonian International played well for some time, but really lacked consistency. Also, he did not like to come forward for the most part of the game, unlike
Vieira, who has often scored incredible goals for his team. Perhaps Song needed some time to adjust himself to the new role of a midfielder, which was not his traditional position.
However, this season seems to be Alex Song’s season, as he seems to be adjusting well to his role. So far, the youngster has scored four goals, which is equal to the number of goals he scored in his previous six seasons. Apart
from this, Song has proven himself to be a match-winner for his team - a unique ability - as he scored the winner against West Ham United in the English Premier League. Also, Song was on target in the match against Manchester City, combined with a good display
at the back, covering his defenders.
At this moment, Arsene Wenger has nothing but praises for his youngster. Wenger said that the Cameroonian International is improving because of his efforts in the training. The Arsenal manager praised Song’s attitude in the training
sessions, which has helped the player improve his quality of football. Song now goes on frequent attacks, only because he has an improved stamina and work rate.
Arsenal’s midfield is one of the strongest in Europe, led by the incredible Cesc Fabregas. There are players like Denilson, Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, who can play in the centre of the midfield. As
far as the attacking midfield is concerned, there are other players with exceptional quality. Even in the midst of all this competition, there is no doubt that Alex Song has ascertained his place in the Gunners squad. The only problem for the youngster was
a lack of quality, but he seems to have gained his ground. Now, he is playing better than many players who used to be ranked higher than him.
Unlike a traditional holding midfielder, Arsene Wenger assigns a very different role to his players in that position. Arsenal plays with five players in the midfield, two of them sitting in front of defence. Therefore, the role
of the defensive midfielder is performed by one player, while the other goes on attack. This also gives Arsenal a tactical leverage to confuse the opposition by switching between both the players. In this whole situation, Song fits perfectly well, as he has
proven himself to be a good defender, and he is improving as an attacking player as well.
Alex Song is definitely a great asset to Arsene Wenger’s young Gunners. He is a great all-rounder, who is equally good in defence as well as in attack. If Arsenal wins anything this season, a lot of credit would go to Alex Song,
as he would have to be at his very best in order to help his team to glory.
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