17. Alex Song

Arsène Wenger has believed in Alex's ability ever since he plucked him from Bastia in the summer of 2005. The Frenchman's faith was vindicated last season as Alex showed just why the boss rates him so highly.

First-team opportunities were few and far between for the Cameroon international in his first two years with the Club but he made a breakthrough in 2007/08 and became a mainstay of the side last season, racking up 48 appearances.

Alex was probably not the first choice of most Arsenal fans at the start of the campaign but he won them over by the end of the season with a string of powerful performances in central midfield.

Alex scored twice too, lashing in a volley at Fenerbahce and leaving the Wigan defence in his wake with a fine individual effort away from home.

He was equally impressive when he stepped into central defence – a position Wenger believes he may yet end up in – but Alex looks the part in the engine room and could make the position his own for years to come.

His growing reputation at club level has not gone unnoticed on the international scene. Alex is a regular for Cameroon and, if they qualify, he is likely to represent the Indomitable Lions at January’s African Cup of Nations.

 

MY YEAR

October

Alex featured in five of Arsenal's six first-team games in October, sitting out the Carling Cup tie against Liverpool. Gunners legend Frank McLintock told Arsenal.com that Song can be as effective for the Club as Peter Story was three decades ago. "We always played 4-4-2 with Peter Storey as the anchor man in midfield and he was very protective of the back four," he said. "Song is one of those players who can do the same kind of job as Peter Storey."

September

Alex Song sat out the Carling Cup tie against West Brom in September. Speaking after the Champions League victory over Olympiacos, Song said Arsenal have learnt from last season's disappointment and can go far in this season's competition. "Last year we missed out in the Semi-Final. But we know we can go far this time because we have learned from that."

August

Alex started four of Arsenal's five opening encounters, starring in the holding midfield role in a new 4-3-3 formation. Song told the Matchday Programme the team were enjoying playing in the new system and he believes there has been a significant improvement to the team's performances this season.

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