I don’t think any fan will have any issues with Arsenal’s progress so far this season. Admittedly we don’t sit at the top of the table yet but by and large, even with two losses and some average performances the team has done well.
Let me start by stating that this is purely based on how much the player has contributed to the team in its entirety not just in a certain part of the field. My decision is also based on maturity of the player from last season and the impact he has made this season thus far.
With 8 games into the season (6 wins and 2 losses) and with a game in hand, my man of the season so far is Alex Song.
A defender according to the first team rooster but Alex Song has shown his versatility as he plays the holding midfielder role – just in front of the back four, as an extra body in the midfield and as the name goes holds up play which most times creates space for the midfielders to do their work – in Arsenal’s new diamond formation.
Even though he hasn’t scored any goals this season, his contributions on the pitch is almost overlooked because of the non-glorious or celebratory role he plays.
In all the games he’s featured in this season so far, what I have noticed is that Song has been the clean up guy. One who goes in for the rough tackles or stands as an obstruction to the opposition, risking a yellow card booking (as was seen in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Birmingham City) when Arsenal isn’t in possession of the ball.
He doubles effectively as a defensive midfielder as well as an attacking midfielder during set pieces and corners prowling around 20 to 30 yards area of the opposition’s half ready to pounce on any loose balls and retain possession for the team.
He is a strong, physical presence in that midfield that his strength almost goes unnoticed because of his height and stature. His work ethic on the field is unquestionable and his ability to read and effectively truncate opponents play is brilliant. He is gradually becoming a rock in the new formation and an integral part to its success this season.
Thomas Vermaelen has proven to be an exceptional signing this season especially because of the total football type player he appears to be. He’s a decent defender but also very admirably he is a great offensive force and a goal scorer. One of the main reasons why I think Arsenal can afford to allow a Thomas Vermaelen sojourn forward is the presence of Alex Song as a cover simply because he is always there to act as the last man if needed to clean up.
Song’s presence on the field allows his team mates the freedom to carry out their roles effectively. Perfect example of this is Fabregas in the midfield. Currently, Fabregas leads the league in assists with 9 so far this season but guess who fights for the ball and passes it to him 90% of the time, as was evident in the 6-2 bashing of Blackburn?
Arsenal plays the best football in the premiership purely attributed to great passing and great overall play. One player central to Arsenals’ style of play is club captain Cesc Fabregas and one stalwart ‘defender’ that has ensured the captain’s freedom of passing is Alex song and that’s why he is my player of the season so far.
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