In a surprising and bold claim, former Arsenal favourite Alex Song has insisted he would still be good enough to start in the Gunners' midfield today, despite the stellar form of current stars Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Song's Loyal but Baffling Claim
Now 38 and retired since 2020, the Cameroonian made over 200 appearances for Arsenal between 2005 and 2012 before his £15 million move to Barcelona. In a recent interview with ESPN Africa, Song was asked if he could start for several top clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
He confidently answered 'yes' to each before the question turned to his old club. "Yes, Gunners for life! Yes," was his emphatic reply, showing his enduring loyalty. He underlined that allegiance by flatly refusing to ever play for North London rivals Tottenham, stating: "No. I will never play for Tottenham. Never! It will never happen!"
The Current Arsenal Midfield He Would Challenge
Song's assertion is particularly striking given the quality and performance of Arsenal's current engine room. The partnership of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi has been widely hailed as a fundamental reason behind the club's sustained Premier League title challenge this season.
Rice, since his high-profile arrival from West Ham United, has developed into one of the world's most complete midfielders. Zubimendi, who joined from Real Sociedad in the summer, has also impressed immensely with his technical ability and tactical intelligence.
Furthermore, utility player Mikel Merino has earned huge praise from manager Mikel Arteta for his impactful performances, even when deployed as an emergency centre-forward. Speaking after a recent match, Arteta lauded Merino's all-action display, highlighting his smart goal and relentless work ethic.
A Glance Back at Song's Career
Alex Song's time at Arsenal was largely under the management of Arsene Wenger. After his stint at Barcelona, where he won a La Liga title in the 2012/13 season, he had spells at West Ham United, Rubin Kazan, and Swiss side Sion before hanging up his boots.
While he remains a fondly remembered figure for many Arsenal supporters for his powerful displays in his prime, his claim to be able to displace the current incumbents is seen by many as a nostalgic and unrealistic view of his own current abilities versus the world-class talent now gracing the Emirates Stadium pitch.
As Arsenal prepare for a crucial weekend fixture against Aston Villa, aiming to extend their lead at the Premier League summit, the focus for fans and pundits alike remains firmly on the present-day stars driving the title charge, not on hypothetical returnees from a past era.
