6 Alexandre Song
Alexandre Song began his career as a youth with French football club Bastia in 2003. In the 2003/04 season he made 34 league appearances which made top European clubs Manchester United, Inter Milan and Lyon take notice.
Arsenal were however first to snap him up and he signed a loan deal to join the club for the 2005/06 season. In June 2006 Gunners boss Arsene Wenger managed to tie up his future with a four-year-contract which would keep him in London until 2010.
In the 2009/10 season he was voted third in the Arsenal.com player of the month award for October, behind winner Cesc Fàbregas and runner-up Robin van Persie. After putting in consistently commanding performances at the heart of midfield, allowing Arsenal's creative attackers to operate effectively, Alex Song is now one of the first names on the team sheet as well as developing into a world class defensive midfielder. On 25 November 2009, Song signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, lasting until 2014.
Song has proved to be a versatile player having performed in the midfield and in the center of defence. After growing up in Europe, Song represented France at Under-16 level, but ultimately chose to play for his country of birth, Cameroon.
He made his debut in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations against Egypt, joining his Uncle Rigobert Song on the pitch. Alex was named in the team of the tournament for his strong performances at the back for Cameroon.
