Midfield

Continuing my look at our squad for the 2009/10 season, today I will be going through Arsenal’s midfield.

First up the man who wrapped up yesterday’s review of the defence, Alex Song. One of Arsenal’s most improved players of recent years, I don’t think anyone anticipated him developing into the player he has become, and threatens to develop into. Well, with the possible exception of Mr Wenger. It’s a massive season for Song and his role in the squad is huge. As Arsenal’s only natural defensive midfielder, much will depend on his form and his luck with injuries. Also he may be disappearing for a month if Cameroon qualify for the African Cup of Nations. While he can cover at the back, as our main defensive midfielder and with 5 centre backs in the squad, it’s unlikely he will be asked to. I have a suspicion however that Wenger sees him as a defender in the long term.

Denilson seems to be one of those players who doesn’t excel in any major way but ticks lots of boxes. He gets through loads of running and is a decent tackler and passer, although he gives it away a little too much. He also has a pretty good shot on him at times and scores the odd goal. But he doesn’t really set the world alight in any one area and is the kind of player who you may fail to see in a game despite the work he does. Probably closest to being able to replace Song in a defensive midfielder role but really must cut out giving it away cheaply to really improve his game.

I don’t think there is much I can say about Fabregas that hasn’t already been said. Let’s just hope he stays fit and away from Barcelona’s clutches.

Abou Diaby must be the most frustrating player in Arsenal’s current squad. He can look both amazingly talented and completely clueless in the same game, as the game on Saturday against Man Utd demonstrated. The most ridiculous own goal followed by a great run which almost ended in a goal at the other end. If he can stay injury free, a big if, we will hopefully get to see the real Diaby.

Samir Nasri had a good first season and is unlucky to start this season with an injury. I think he is one who could be helped by our new 4-3-3 formation as he seems to have more joy through the middle than out wide.

Andrey Arshavin showed last season, and again against Man Utd, what Wenger was referring to when he said he was only looking to buy super quality players last season. The little Russian has looked a class act and hopefully he can have a big impact in his first full season.

Tomas Rosicky just needs to get fit. Nothing else needs to be said at the moment.

Jack Wilshire, Fran Merida and Aaron Ramsey will all be hoping to get as much playing time as possible and hopefully a bit more time to show what they can do in the Carling Cup. I don’t think its right to put too much pressure on these young lads just yet so anything from them at the moment is a bonus.

The biggest change this season has been the formation. Pretty much exclusively a 4-4-2 man, Wenger has begun this season with a 4-3-3 system with the team playing a high pressing game. I’m sure Barcelona will agree that imitation is the sincerest from of flattery. I think this formation suits us best with the players we have. Without any real wingers in the squad this seems to be a good fit. Also without a really dominant defensive midfielder, playing three in the middle makes sense. Much will depend on luck with injuries but so far, even taking the defeat at Old Trafford into account, the first signs are positive.

Friday I’ll analyse the front men.