It may well be a sign of how far Arsenal have sunk this season, that there are rumours currently circulating throughout the Press that the club is interested in re-signing Alex Song this summer. (Source: The Express)
That’s the same Alex Song who Arsene Wenger was more than willing to ship off to Barcelona last year, for £15m. Whilst some fans were bemused by the decision to let him go, there were also plenty who were glad to see the back of him.
Alex Song, Arsenal’s defensive midfielder was held accountable for a lot of defensive slip ups last season. He was often criticised for his maurading runs forward and for leaving too large a gap between the defense and the midfield.
But if Arsenal were bad defensively with Alex Song, they’re now atrocious without him. Whatever you may have thought of Song, he was a hard worker who wasn’t afraid to make a nuisance of himself. He wouldn’t allow opposition players time and space on the ball and would often snap into challenges.
I think it’s fair to say that Arsenal currently miss these qualities. Arsene sold Song and didn’t replace him and they’ve suffered as a result.
And there was another side to Alex Song too. He was a defensive midfielder with an attacking mindset and this outlook and unpredictability was also the source of numerous goals last year. His multiple assists last season (usually through a lofted through ball) are evidence of his ability going forward.
The fact is, Song provided balance to this Arsenal midfield and was a versatile player. His absence has been felt this season, much as fans may be loathe to admit it.
These comments may feel a little misguided, particularly as Song hasn’t really got a look in at the Nou Camp. Indeed, Song has made just three appearances for Barcelona in this calender year. He’s also widely considered to be one of the worst La Liga signings this season (up there with Luka Modric).
But with Sergio Busquets ahead of him, he was never likely to make that much of dent at Barca. It was a bad move on the part of the player and you also have to wonder what Barcelona were thinking.
Whilst Alex Song would probably improve this Arsenal side, I hope that Arsene Wenger is also considering offer options in this area of the pitch. The Gunners desperately need to beef up and they need somebody who can handle defensive duties. Alex Song was that man, but I’d say his time is up.
What’s your take? Should the Gunners offer Alex Song a return to the Emirates?
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