Alexandre Song....Arsenal's new midfield guardian

Arsene Wenger has received much criticism for his refusal to go into the transfer market to purchase defensive minded players. Many critics believe the lack of a high quality defensive midfielder is hindering Arsenal from achieving major success. Wenger continues to ignore the critics and has pleaded with the supporters to have patience. He feels confident that the young players that are currently playing for the club are more than capable if given time to mature. He constantly defended his decision by expressing that buying players would only reduce the confidence and trust he has placed in players such as Diaby, Denilson and Song. This season there are less negative voices about Song and he is now regarded as an effective player to inherit the place of Arsenal great Patrick Vieara. Song was originally a Centre Back and was placed in the midfield as an answer to the large number of injuries Arsenal experienced last season. His successful adaption to his role has given him a firm position in the starting line up and it may be some time before we see him playing in the back four again.

Song's journey started in Douala, Cameroon where he grew up in an extended family that included 24 siblings, he had little recollection of his father who died when he was three. At the age of eight his Uncle financed his migration to France, where he was reunited with his mother in Paris. Song enjoyed playing football in his neighourhood. His family soon moved to a larger house that was close to a football stadium that belonged to the club, Red Star Saint Quen. During a pre season game for the club, Song attracted the attention of the manager from Division 1 side Bastia. There he played his football and was mentored by his manager Francois Ciccolini until he was scouted and signed by Arsenal. During his time at Arsenal he spent a year on loan at Charlton. He is now the Wenger's first team defensive midfield choice.

Last season we saw the emergence of his adaption into his new role. In the latter part of the season he seemed composed holding up the ball and and stopping plays with well timed interceptions. He remained humble and continued to shine despite praises. He gave the back four and supporters alike relief that there was some protection in midfield. Wenger's two other options Denilson and Diaby were much more comfortable going forward than playing defensively. Song seemed to be more happy with his role in the midfield and rose to the opportunity. Last season there was only one weakness. He lacked the ability to effectively distribute the ball in attack. He would courageously win the ball, only to give it back to the opponents because he failed to pass the ball successfully to his team mates. It was very frustrating to watch and made the critics continue to call for more suitable reinforcements.

This season Arsenal has started the season on a bang thanks to the return of creative midfielder Rosicky and a new 3-3-4 tactic that allows captain Cesc Fabregas to go forward to join up with main striker Robin Van Persie and two supporting players on each wing. Fabregas's forward movement is supported by Song and Diaby playing a protecting role, ensuring that the back four has some support during attacks. The result has been some high flying fluent passing ending up with multi shots on goal and high scoring results. Song has improved rapidly in his second season as a first team player. Witnessing his performances on the pitch it is evident that he has worked extremely hard in the summer break. The main change is his passing has improved greatly. Song now passes the ball almost as well as his more technical team mates. In the recent match against Birmingham City his pass to RVP led to Arsenal's opening goal and through out the game he played killer passes from the midfield that had Birmingham's defense on guard. Song's defensive skills has also improved, Wenger and supporters are amazed with his ability to rid opponents of the ball without drawing fouls. This is compliments Arsenal's style of play perfectly because it allows the game to continue fluently. Song has gradually become an integral role in the Arsenal midfield and I expect him to continue to improve throughout the season.