In defense of ALEX SONG

Born on the 9^th of September, 1987 in Douala, Cameroon, Alex Dimitri Song Billong has become a key player for Arsenal over the last few years.

Originally a utility at Bastia playing mostly in central defence, Alex Song has developed under the watchful eyes of Arsene Wenger- arguably the best talent spotter and groomer in world football.

Losing his father aged 3 and being one of 28 children(17sisters,10brothers), song’s early years was tough but thanks to his cousin, Rigobert Song who helped him focus.

From Bastia to Arsenal, song has continued his meteoric rise to stardom. From being a utility player on the fringes of first team football in 2006 to being a midfield general is testament of his hard work and determination.

Ever since breaking into the first team at arsenal, Song has not looked back. Year after year, he has steadily improved his game and justified the faith Arsene Wenger has in him.

Wenger once said of song: “I brought him here aged 17 and worked hard with him because I felt he had the talent to become a good player. I know that the opinions are changing about him now.”

Song intrigued Wenger as an athletic, versatile defender at Bastia, but club scouts were unconvinced that he had the concentration to match the undeniable application and reach the top. – Jamie Sanderson wrote.

Song’s outstanding progress is a result of hard work in training and his appetite to learn.

Yet despite his modest achievement, the man himself does not forget his humble beginnings and family. Married at the age of 18, song has 2 kids. Questioned about his family song said:

“Every time I step on to the pitch at Emirates, I just look up to where my wife and son are sitting, wave to them and I do everything for my family. I want to give them all my love because they make me strong.”

I remember watching Song against Fulham in October 2006 and wondering what he was doing on the pitch with an Arsenal shirt. I wanted him sold because I lost faith in him. Now I realise how wrong I was and maybe that explains why I will never be Arsene Wenger.

The departure of Cesc Fabregas only served to expose the then hidden creativity in this great son of Africa. Playing alongside the experienced Mikel Arteta allowed song to venture forward and create unbelievable chances. Oh I recall with nostalgia that pass to Robin Van Persie against Everton among other great passes. Little wonder that he racked up 13 assists last season with an avarege through pass of 0.7 per game, the highest in the premier league.

This tough tackling, aggressive, formidable and enthusiastic midfield enforcer is not without his weaknesses. Sometimes his habit of venturing forward and out of position leaves the defence exposed.

However the job of combining defence and attack in itself is not without pitfalls. But this should not rob Song of the praise he deserves. His contribution to this Arsenal team cannot be underestimated and as such deserves a new and improved contract as a reward for his effort. He is not a finished product yet, but will only improve.

Follow me on twitter @meetwhizkid.

Comments are appreciated.

A New Day

You’ve been disappointed and fallen short off the mark. But that was yesterday, and this is today.

Perhaps you weren’t as effective as you could have been and didn’t discipline yourself as much as you could have done. But that was yesterday and this is a new day.

Every shortcoming and every disappointment is now in your past. Though their effect may linger for a while, now is your opportunity to start moving beyond them.

You’ve learned some painful yet valuable lessons, now you can put those lessons to positive use.

This is a new day, with opportunities for you to act in new, more meaningful and effective ways. This is when you can work to transform your past experience, whatever it may have been, into present value.

No matter what has brought you here, embrace this day. For now you are free to create more good and meaningful substance in your world. By Ralph Martson

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Here He Comes... Olivier Giroud

Arsenal have secured a deal to sign Montpellier striker and France international Olivier Giroud for a fee reported to be £12 million.

Olivier Giroud, a 6ft 3in striker born in chambery, France will join a growing list of French internationals to play for Arsenal.

The 26 year old striker who began his football career at Olympique club de Froges joined Grenoble at the age of 13. He later moved to Tours where he played alongside Laurent Koscienly.

The French international joined Montpellier in 2009-2010 season but spent the remainder of the season on loan at Tours. On rejoining Montpellier, Giroud soon became an integral part of the Montpellier team that won the French league in 2011-2012 season scoring 21 goals in 36 appearances with 9 assists.

Giroud known for his size, physical style of play and aerial ability no  doubt has the pre-requisite to succeed at the highest level. His signing is seen by many as a statement of intent by Arsenal to be competitive in the coming season. It however remains to be seen if these signings will convince Robin Van Persie to commit his long term future to the club.

For once in a long while, gooners can look unto the new season with renewed hope and excitement.

Follow me on twitter @meetwhizkid.

Comments are appreciated.

The beginning...

Life is not about just getting by.life is about reaching ever higher, building one achievement on top of another, and creating real, meaningful value in each moment.

A common stone on the ground does a great job of just getting by. You, on the other hand are destined for much more greater and spectacular things.
Of course, you will meet encounter challenges when you make an effort to raise your world a little bit higher and better.The good thins is, you are superbly equipped to thrive on these challenges.

If you find life unfulfilling, it's not because of the challenges or obstacles that you face. It's because you refuse to recognize the exceptional opportunities those challenges represent.

This life is your precious and unique opportunity to make it big and it absolutely is worth all the trouble and effort.

You must begin to live in the direction of those beautiful dream of yours. Let go of the false security of just getting by and get yourself focused on a purpose that will bring your life gloriously to life.

This is my debut in blogging and I hope you find it interesting .