Arsene Wenger hails the improvement of Alex Song
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised the improvement of Alex Song, saying that the defensive midfielder's dedication in training has paid off.
Song has started nine of the Arsenal's ten league games and all of the team's Champions League encounters this season.
In addition, the Cameroonian has surged forward and got on the scoresheet in three of Arsenal's last four games. On Saturday, 30 October, Song scored the winner in the club's 1–0 victory over West Ham United.
"Song wants to get forward. Sometimes defensive midfielders just want to defend," Wenger said of Song's urge to contribute further up the pitch. "It's not just his main role. He does it well in fairness. He came here as a centre-back, maybe he will finish
centre-forward."
Song joined Arsenal in 2005 and spent the 2006–07 season on loan to Charlton Athletic before cementing his presence in Wenger's team in 2008. In particular, the Frenchman said it is Song's stamina that has been behind his improvement.
"Song has improved his engine. Before he was less mobile. He has improved his mobility. He doesn't need a breather now when he goes and comes back," he said.
"He is now a good trainer but this was not always the case. That's why he has improved."
Positive competition at the Emirates Stadium
Wenger added that the strength of Arsenal's midfield — which is crowded by the likes of Fabregas, Wilshere, Andrey Arshavin, Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott, Denilson Neves and Abou Diaby — has seen Song step up his game to earn his place in the starting eleven.
"He sees there is big competition in midfield and that helps. Nobody is guaranteed a place. We've had so many good players and so many players who have become exceptional here but, at the moment, Song is moving forward."
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