da aposte e ganhe：
da bet esporte： Although Robin van Persie has been grabbing the headlines at the Emirates Stadium this season, another man deserves his share of the credit. Alex Song, who for so long, has been dubbed the destroyer in Arsenal’s aesthetically pleasing midfield has been slowly transforming into a key creative cog for Arsene Wenger, moving his performances up to the next level during the club’s resurgence.
The Cameroonian star taken some time to settle at the Gunners, with his level of technical ability never really matching up to those around him. Although he was primarily picked to protect the backline, due to his roots as a centre-back, a lack of attacking technique often opened him to criticism from some sectors of the club’s support, who had grown accustomed to the displays of Patrick Vieira before his departure in 2005.
In truth the North Londoners have never really replaced the Frenchman, who’s importance to the club was truly recognised upon his exit, but the evolution of Alex Song may at last see some solidarity in the club’s midfield set-up. Although he is a different type of player to the now Manchester City Development Executive, he has the potential to fill the sizable void left in the side, with his defensive know-how and creativity in attacking situations. He does not possess the same thrust, but from a deeper role he can operate the game, pulling the strings as well as breaking up attacks. This is a rare trait in a player, one who can destroy then build, and although he may not be a world-beater at either end of the spectrum, an ability to carry out both skills to a high standard make him desirable to any manager, and an asset to the team.
It’s only been in recent times that the midfielder has added the creative, attacking edge to his play, turning from a specialised holding player to one able to launch attacks. His assist against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season displayed just how far he has come since his arrival at the club from Bastia. The old Song would maybe have shifted the ball wide, or looked for a pass into a team-mate, yet on this occasion he looked up, drove on, and picked out van Persie with a delightful chipped through ball. Although the Dutchman’s fantastic volleyed finish attracts the attention, he simply would have been unable to execute such a piece of skill with out the perfectly flighted pass into the correct area for a left-footed strike past Jose Reina. This is not an isolated incident, with the midfielder notching up eight direct league assists, and being involved in countless other goal scoring plays for the club.
These kinds of displays have drawn praise from his team-mates, who regard the midfielder as key component of the current side, especially after the departure of Cesc Fabregas last summer:
“I can’t remember the last game he didn’t play – he is always there. Sometimes you don’t notice the stuff he does, the defensive side of the game, but he is always there cleaning up,” Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain told ESPN.
“Obviously he has been bringing assists to the team as well. Some of the passes he has been putting in, like for two of the unbelievable volleys Robin (van Persie) has scored, reminds me technically of watching Fabregas put those balls through.
“For a holding midfielder to do that, as well as the defensive side of the game, is brilliant. You can’t ask for anything more. He has been brilliant for us all season and he is a really good guy to have in the dressing room as well. He is always happy and putting smiles on everyone’s faces – he is a massive part of the squad.”
It may have taken more time than hoped, but Wenger’s faith in the 24-year-old is beginning to pay dividends. As a club Arsenal demand technique from players of all positions, such is their fluid attacking philosophy, and Song is beginning to step up to the plate, showing he can contribute on a regular basis.
Can Alex Song be the future of Arsenal’s midfield? Comment or follow @Alex_Hams on Twitter and have your say
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]