Arsenal Season Review 2009/10: Most Influential Players

I know the season isn't over yet but I think I have seen enough to remember this season fondly and I believe that I, along with many other Arsenal and non-Arsenal fans can clearly see that this team is going somewhere.

But in every good season there are those players who create moments of inspiration, or in fact fuel the momentum that drives the team forward.

Here are my picks so far, and I will be very happy to welcome additions to this list from yourselves, or from the team between now and the end of the season.

Thomas Vermaelen

Ruthless. No nonsense. Hard as Rock. Loves defending. Just the kind of defender Arsenal fans have been clamouring for for the better part of three seasons.

When we got him in the summer I must confess, I was the first to air my doubts about getting another five-foot plus Centre Back. I have never had a more delicious portion of humble pie in my life.

What you have to love the most about the bloke is his desire to win and grab a game by the scruff of the neck. Scores beautifully—but more importantly—important goals, never folds in a one on one.

He goes in for the hard tackles, and reads the game like a defender at the peak of his years (mind you he is only 24); this has arguably been one player we have been happy not to do without for more than a game all season.

Alex Song

People would label him the most improved player of the season, when in actuality his quality has been there for the keenest followers of the game to see since January 2009. One of the most influential players this season mainly for one reason—his range of skills.

Watching Alex play in central defence against West ham this season and against Manchester United at the end of last season brings to mind what kind of an asset this lad is. It doesn't even feel as though he is playing a make-shift role where you could make excuses for him.

But more important is his role in midfield. This season, Song has not only showed his understanding of the defensive side of the game on numerous occasions, but has also revealed his technical proficiency and understanding of his attacking side with the deftest touches, control and passes—almost comparable to El Capitano himself.

Truly, we've only got one Song.

Nicklas Bendtner

Apart from the fact that he seems to come up with very important goals amidst his quite impressive goals tally, this guy has brought us not only a much needed aerial threat, but the ability to play.

Watching the Liverpool game (after watching Arshavin try his best to limited effects in that central position for four months) I realised how useful this guy is.

Bendtner is giving us a much needed physical presence in attack, getting long balls when we need to diversify our game, holding off defenders, laying off passes at the right time, and most importantly, always being in the right place at the right time.

I like to call him our Heskey with goals.

This guy will be a be a 20+ goals a season player. Don't believe me? Go take a look at his goal tally for club and country. Then study his impeccable position on the pitch. 'Nuff said.

Aaron Ramsey

Forget Wilshere and Theo for a minute—who are very good prospects in there own rights—but this really is the golden boy of the Arsenal. Not much flair, not as fast as Theo, but does this kid know what his doing in the middle of the park or what?

His composure, understanding of the game, and desire to win stand out significantly for someone of his age.

However, as talented as Aaron is, this is not the reason why he is on this list, but more for the effect that resulted from his unfortunate accident at the Britannia.

If Arsenal go on to win something this season, it will continually be remembered as a pivot point in the season; but the truth is that even if Arsenal win nothing this season, their reaction to that incident would have confirmed to them (if they were in any doubt) what they are capable of.

Sol Campbell

Without doubt, the most surprising signing of the January 2010 window, but who can argue that Arsene may have made another master stroke.

With half a season to go and Gallas and Vermaelen being our star duo and playing every single game till then, we needed the ability to replace quantity with quality in the event of any contingencies, and we all know Silvestre doesn't quite cut it.

But most importantly what Sol has brought this season is the know how of winning. The only member of the back four that actually talks, Sol organises his defence like a true leader and no doubt Vermealen with all his ability will definitely be better off for it.

He has been so competent at the back that it has been hard to really feel Gallas' six weeks plus absence at the climax of the season.

I for one would be more than happy to have Sol at the Arsenal for one more year.

Cesc Fabregas

Last, but by no means least, Captain Cesc. I have gotten to a worrying stage of taking Cesc's abilities and knowledge of the game for granted, but what I have not been used to this season are his goals and most importantly his leadership by example.

If there ever was a general that was ready to die for the cause I think we have him. From his very first game as Captain against Dynamo Kiev last season—laying off a quick long ball for Bendtner for the winner to his last game of this season playing and almost scoring a second with a broken leg, I think we have a real captain here after four years in the wilderness. T

To start on the Birmingham (Away), Burnley (Home), Blackburn (Home) and Bolton (Away) games would require a whole new article, so I'd better leave it at that.

P.S: Don't think he would have scored those two goals against Villa had he been on the pitch the whole game. He knew what he had to do for the team when coming on.

Conclusion

These have been the most influential players this season, but behind that, the team has been amazing. Injury after injury, defeat after defeat we have soldiered on; and the fans have seen that and respect that—as can be seen and heard at the Emirates of late.

Something very special is happening in North London, and I'm glad to be a part of it, as with every gooner out there.