By 1970’s Gooner
Cameroon reached the Final of the Africa Nations Cup by beating the host nation Ghana 1-0.
The goal was scored by substitute Nkong in the 70th minute when he was put through by a delightful ball by Eto’o behind the Ghana defense. He opened up his body and curled his shot past the keeper.
Chelsea’s Essien who played in central defence could nothing to stop the goal. He was missed in midfield where Arsenal’s Alexander Song excelled. He played the defensive holding role and he hardly put a foot wrong.
Cameroon strangely adopted the long ball strategy opting every time they gained possession in defence to launch it high towards Eto’o. This did not suit his style of play as his skills are really best utilized with the ball at his feet.
Still, once Ghana could not turn their 61% ball possession and overall superiority into goals it was inevitable that Cameroon will score.
But their long ball style bypassed the midfield and invited Ghana onto them and it was this that brought Alexander Song more into the forefront as his defensive duties were always in demand.
He protected his defenders very well competing for every ball and when he came into possession he laid it off accurately to a team mate with that characteristic ease which typifies him.He along with his uncle Rigobert Song were among the outstanding performers of the game. Alexander has shown this season that he has really come on leaps and bounds and this performance has paid testimony to that.
His uncle thinks a lot of him:
"Our fathers are brothers. Alex is my friend, even though we don't room together at present.
"I always want to talk about Alex, as I'm so proud about him. He doesn't play regularly at Arsenal and that's why I'm so happy about his form for the Cameroonian team in Ghana. Alex has been showing a lot of quality."
I would tend to agree with Rigobert Song. Alex is now a viable alternative to Flamini for a starting place in the team if he is needed.
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18 comments:
he did not start the first game but came on as a sub and since then he even put Makoun on the bench the same Makoun who Sir Alex hs been tracking for years!! Great perfomances from him and surely he should be thrid pick ahead of rusty Gilberto and Diaby.
I watched the game and i must say i was very impressed by his tackling. Wearing the Arsenal shirt he has been sloppy time to time. But he was excellent against Essien.
Go Song!
Song was a monster tonight but for me, there is no doubt that his long term future is in central defence.
Yeah he did a good job, my mate who is a Charlton supporter tells me they all love him and think he's the bollocks. I think he just needs games to gain confidence and experience. Wenger has always seen his potential and kept faith with him whilst most were slagging him off.
Next year he'll make a great partner for Diaby. Two different central midfield partnerships, Cesc & Flamini and Song & Diaby with Denilson floating playing when required. I'm not sure what Denilson is, he's not really a defensive midfielder whilst being good in the tackle and he's not really an attacking midfielder whilst having good delivery and vision. Anyway the future looks good.
Like Gilberto he can play either CB or CM but I'd prefer to see him in central midfield. The opposite goes for Djourou, he can also comfortably play in both position but I'd prefer to see him at CB cos of his heading ability and speed.
Denilson has the potential to be the better all round midfielder of the lot
I hope all the people singing Song's praises (pun intended) aren't the same people who said he was no good, that Hleb is wasteful, that Flamini is light weight, and that Senderos should be sold.
I know u really rate Song 1970's and u have done for a long time. I have had my doubts about him. I feel he is sloppy with the ball. BUT, i've been impressed with him in the ANC and my opinion is beginning to change. He looks comfortable and maybe I never looked at his positives just the negatives. Maybe he will be an Arsenal star! Where do u see him playing long term 1970's? CB or CM?
I know u really rate Song 1970's and u have done for a long time. I have had my doubts about him. I feel he is sloppy with the ball. BUT, i've been impressed with him in the ANC and my opinion is beginning to change. He looks comfortable and maybe I never looked at his positives just the negatives. Maybe he will be an Arsenal star! Where do u see him playing long term 1970's? CB or CM?
Thanks Wrighty7. I have been very impressed with Song when I saw him play for Charlton last season in their away game at Man Utd. He is comfortable on the ball and tackles strongly. I see him blossoming in central midfield as a defensive midfielder rather as a central defender as his height might be against him in that position.
Alex Song >>>>>>>>>>>> Abou Diaby
But:
Fab>Flamini>>>Denilson>Song
Won't include myself obviously.
Yeah 1970's I agree that his long term future is in midfield. He has performed well at centre back when called upon to play there as well. I think when he starts to cut out the sloppy passing and improves his concentration levels he will develope into a good player for us. He is only young and will improve without a doubt....
Song has always been a scapegoat. He had one bad game as an unknown and many people just stopped being real about him.
rigobert song said about alex " our fathers are brothers "
therefore the two are cousins FFS, why the fcuk do people keep saying he is his uncle.
nutters!!!
Always thought song was a good playa. for an 18 yr old he has good natural abilities. good first touch, good passser and very creative. the thing is he has a kanu style to him. its kinda ironic that the only other player that you can say is composed and casual is fabregas. while Fab4 is the most composed footballer i have seen from the age of 15, song comes in a close second, its just that his composure can be interpretted as being too casual.
He should get better with age
I agree with baller. If song's casualness is followed by error free performances then he will be seen as a very composed and effective player.
Talking about midfield players, why did Arsene pass on Yahya Toure, he is excellent distributor of the ball, big and strong - Guinea players were just bouncing off him .
One Song, we've only got one Song
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