Alex Song: Evolution to Playmaker Is Complete for Arsenal Star

It's typical that Alex Song's precise assist for Arsenal's second goal against Aston Villa was lost in the headlines reserved for Kieran Gibbs' first goal for the club and Mikel Arteta's superb free kick.

The man still commonly regarded as Arsenal's holding midfielder has quietly begun to prove his worth as an advanced playmaker. Song's evolution from defensive shield to creative influence is now complete.

His effectiveness in the attacking third has become a key part of Arsenal's play and goal-scoring output. Yesterday was no exception as the Cameroon ace produced what has now become his trademark.

Song floated an arching, chipped pass straight into the path of the onrushing Theo Walcott, who slotted the ball past Aston Villa 'keeper Shay Given to double Arsenal's advantage.

It was a similar pass to the ones Song cleverly executed to position Robin van Persie to volley home match winners against both Everton and Liverpool this season.

Song is able to loft the ball with the exact right amount of pace and still achieve tremendous accuracy. It is a dream delivery for a forward, who can often time his strike to meet the ball at the exact moment it drops from the sky in front of him.

Gunners fans are fast becoming used to this kind of contribution from Song. His power and athleticism have always been the most commonly recognised traits of his game.

However, that recognition has often meant that many have overlooked Song's natural guile and skill. He showcased both when assisting van Persie to win the match against Borussia Dortmund earlier in the season.

From that point on, Song has had the confidence to rely more on style rather than attempting to be a rugged enforcer. He has shown several times this season that his ideas in possession are first-rate.

Where he has improved immeasurably has been in the areas of technique and execution. Earlier in the campaign he was often guilty of over-hitting intended through passes.

Now he has the assurance and precision to translate his quick thinking and keen creative instincts into reality on the pitch. He has become more important to Arsenal in this regard than for his defensive duties.

A first-half counterattack from Villa yesterday helps to show why Song shouldn't be considered a true defensive midfielder. The Villains broke from a corner and winger Marc Albrighton met no resistance as he charged toward the Arsenal goal across yards and yards of unimpeded space.

The only defensive player who had remained deep was Bacary Sagna. When two central defenders go up for a corner, that is exactly the time that a defensive midfielder is supposed to stay back and cover the gaps.

Yet Song's natural inclination is to supplement the attack and exploit gaps in the opposition's defense. That is exactly what he should be doing. He has now proven that he has the flair and ideas to do his best work in advanced areas.