The Importance Of Alex Song To Arsenal

An example of Song's brilliant tackling. 

The Cameroonian midfield player has developed over the last couple of seasons to be one of the first names on Wenger's team sheet. He arrived in England as a centre back in August 2005, but struggled to ever hold down a position in a defence dominated by players like Toure and Campbell. It was at the start of the 2008/2009 season that Song featured regularly as a defensive midfielder due to Flamini deciding to leave the club. When Flamini left for the big money on offer at AC Milan, the Arsenal fans were desperate for Arsene to sign a defensive midfielder to replace him but Wenger had obviously seen Alex as the man for the role. Song made 48 appearances in all competitions normally playing with Cesc in the middle of the park. When the 2009/2010 season started, Wenger switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation and this has suited Song perfectly. He plays in the defensive midfield role, but not as a simple anchor man due to players like Wilshere and Denilson alongside him behind Fabregas. He made 25 starts in the league last season and has already made 21 starts this season.

Song's interesting hairstyle for the 2010/2011 season.

 The role Song plays for Arsenal often goes unnoticed due to the defensive nature of his game but this season he has developed an attacking side to his game, scoring a few goals in the process from midfield. He has formed a brilliant understanding with Wilshere and when one goes forward, the other knows to stay back and they share the defensive duties well. I believe Song has been one of the reasons for Jack's incredible rise to being in Arsenal's starting XI at the age of 19. Song himself is only 23, but plays like a hugely experienced player and this comes from the amount of games he has played despite being 23. He has started 121 times in all competitions and scored 9 goals as well.

 Song is known for his excellent tackling and the ability to shield Arsenal's back four from the other teams midfield. He breaks down so many attacking moves from the opposition and is the unsung hero of the current Arsenal side. I am sure Alex will continue to play an important role for Arsenal in this season and the considerable future. Arsenal's fans always breath a sigh of relief when he is in the side as he brings defensive stability and gives players like Cesc and Samir the license to attack. He has played a big role in Samir's great performances this season and hopefully will continue to do so.