Alex Song has been quite a unique player and character for Arsenal over the years. I don't think anybody has divided opinion as well as he has managed to do in an Arsenal shirt. He is regarded as one of the most improved players under Wenger at the moment and many outside of Arsenal circles regard him as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. They will then not be surprised that he is courting interest from European superpower Barcelona, a team we have done business with on numerous occasions in the past. Barca are looking for a midfield enforcer but a more modern day type. Javier Martinez of Athletic Bilbao was their primary choice but with his 35mil price tag, they have been searching for a cheaper alternative. Step up Alexandre Dimirti Song Billong. Available for the relatively modest price tag of 15-20mil, he is seen as the perfect candidate for the job.
Song started his club career at French side Bastia where he made 31 appearances in his debut season in the first team. His primary position at the time was centre back but he was also known for his versatility and therefore made several starts in the defensive midfield role. The staff at Bastia regarded him highly in this position. Several European heavyweights such as Manchester United, Lyon, Juventus and Inter were following his progress but Bastia refused to sell their prized asset. They did however agree to loan him to Arsenal for the 2005 season after he impressed Wenger at a trial in Austria. After the 2005 season, Wenger and Arsenal agreed a fee of 1mil to take him on a permanent transfer. He signed a 4 year deal lasting until 2010. He was on the fringes of the first team from then on and often took the place of injured or rested midfielders. He also debuted at centre back for a few Carling Cup matches. His form took a turn for the worst and many Arsenal fans thought that he wasn't good enough to play for them. In the 2006/2007 January transfer window, Alex Song was loaned to Charlton for 6 months where he showed glimpses of his potential and impressed Arsenal staff. In the 2008/09 season, Alex Song enjoyed a breakthrough to the Gunners' first team making 48 appearances overall. He provided a solid base for the likes of Cesc Fabregas to roam freely forward. He was now one of the first names on Arsene's team sheets and in 2009 he signed a new 6 year contract keeping him at the club until 2015. Fast forward to the 2011/12 season and he has continued to be a regular starter. After the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Alex Song took it upon himself to provide a creative outlet amassing 11 assists in the process - the fourth most in the league. As a consequence for his forward forays and attacking positioning Arsenal let in 49 goals - the most conceded under Arsene Wenger. Song neglected his primary role in the team whcih was to provide cover in front of the back four. His irresponsible positioning often meant that teams were able to counter attack and run at the centre backs - with nobody sitting in front for protection - therefore causing holes in behind. This is why many Arsenal fans are calling for Arsene to buy a proper holding midfielder, somebody in the shape of Gilberto Silva or Emmanuel Petit. Yann M'Vila, Lucas Biglia, Etienne Capoue, Victor Wanyama, Nigel De Jong and Steven N'Zonzi have all been linked with a move.
The top 2 English teams do not have a proper holding midfielder. Manchester United have not has one for a long while and Manchester City did not really use one last season, often leaving Nigel De Jong on the bench. Arsenal's tactics last year were to alternate positions, whereby Mikel Arteta and Alex Song took turns in covering one another whilst one went forward. This didn't go as planned and the team often looked worse when Arteta was unavailable. Many Arsenal fans don't see Song as a pure creator either. He is often sloppy when passing the ball and sometimes gives up possession too easily. For every fantastic through ball or long pass he plays, another five are not successful. He often overlooks the simple pass in order to play the more complicated passes and while this sometimes leads to goals and goal scoring opportunities, when the ball is not successful the opposition team are able to break in numbers leaving everyone out of position. This is not to say I want Song to leave. I think it would be a mistake on our part to let him go taking into account the situations of other key players. Over 13 players have been bought in the last year, the team is in transition and there needs to be some sort of consistency in personal. Some proper coaching and firm commands from Arsene is needed when it comes to Song, but he still has the potential to be the best holding midfielder in the league. Maybe the aquisition of Cazorla and the return of Diaby will be enough to convince Song that he no longer has the responsibilty of creating. Only time will tell...
'Till Later
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