Just watched a video of Alex Song and gotta say his all round game on terms of passing and dribbling is very good for a defensive midfielder.
However, lately his defending has been abysmal.
He's extremely slow and clumsy and always seems to be playing just behind Ramsey rather than Arteta. Slowly starting to think that Wilshere and Arteta are making him look better than he is.
Song said he wanted people to 'recognise him', so he dies his hair blonde? He was also saying how he wanted to score more goals. So why does he never mention improving his defensive game?
The reason no one in the media gives him credit is cause he isnt the best of defenders. In England the media love the energetic combative midfielder, hence why Tiote and Parker are always talked about. Players like that inspire your team when the going gets tough. Whenever I see Song play he has that Arshavin/Rosicky esque look about him where his head drops and looks like he cant be asked.
On the other hand he can play well sometimes, i.e Dortmund, United (last year) and Chelsea. However its only when he sits back and does his job properly. Its just when plays like a Yaya Toure wannabe he plays rubbish.
Last year against United at home is how we should play every game i.e
Song
Ramsey Wilshere
not like
Arteta
----------Song
Ramsey
Artetas offensive quailties are being reduced as he is responsible enough to cover for Song. We all know Mikel has a cracking shot on him, but he rarely ever gets forward enough further putting pressure on Ramsey to create.
Do people rate Songs defensive abilities?
posted on 8/1/12
I think Song doesn't look as impressive as a Parker because he is not so last ditch.
You rarely see Alexandre fly into tackles like Parker, thus is not as eye catching. Alexandre tends to use positional play moreso than Parker, intercepting balls rather than tough tackling. Parker looks busier, but Song, imo, is just as effective as the Spurs man, just different style.
I also think Arteta has every opportunity to get forward in the system.
IMO, Coquelin deserves to play more often, but not as Songs replacement but alongside him. Both are decent going forward but can do the defensive aspects well.
posted on 8/1/12
Song when played as a centre back or dm is a beast, no one better out there. He's too good just to play dm like de jong. He's becoming more of a box to box. If anything I think he should play in Xabi Alonso's position where he sits back and dictates the play. He has the ability to find players.
Its just frustraing to watch him go foward and make a rubbish pass.
posted on 8/1/12
Coquelin is slightly better than song when it comes to defending. Has more energy, pace and is very disciplined unlike song. I believe coquelin can become a similar player to what flamini was like in the 2007/08 season.
posted on 8/1/12
Song is a more technical player than people realise. He wants to be involved- he is not our John Obi Mikel. I think very soon Coquelin will play with Song because you are right, Song's defending has been questionable over the christmas period, as has his passing.
Maybe it's just a small dip. He has been very good for us overrall this season. Remember how we suddenly looked like a different team when he completed his ban earlier this season.
Second half against fulham he didn't control the midfield like he usually does.
I'm sure there is nothing to worry about
We are blessed in the DM position because we have Coquelin and Song, you'll struggle to find a better pair in the league. Frimpong also has massive potentiol.
posted on 8/1/12
Wenger doesn't really believe in the "holding midfielder" role, he said that he would never want a player to do one thing, he likes players who can be multi-functional, he said he would never tell a player to do one particular job.
That's why Song wanders from his defensive role, he is given license to do so by his manager, it's the way Wenger wants the game to be played and that will never ever change, the man is not for turning.