Alexandre on Song

It would be wrong to suggest that when West Ham announced the loan signing of Alexandre Song from Barcelona that a few eyebrows were not raised. Many were questioning how manager Sam Allardyce could manage to pull off such a deal and if he was still Premier League standard having spent a large part of his Barcelona experience on the bench. Others were curious about whether or not such a loan would damage the club's financial infrastructure with the Hammers paying a percentage of his £75,000 a week wage.

However, the Cameroon international's performances so far this season have turned all sceptics into believers. West Ham currently sit in 4th position in the Premier League and it is Song who has been at the corner stone of that success. Although it is often the likes of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho grabbing the headlines, it is Song who is dictating the play in the middle of the park.

Yet to register a assist or a goal, the majority of West Ham's play seems to flow through the former Arsenal midfielder. Strong, combative and with a stocky build suited to a defensive midfielder, Song is every bit as good going forward as he is tracking back. Despite coming through the Bastia youth ranks as a defensive midfielder, Song's game evolved under Arsene Wenger into a more rounded midfielder, with former Cameroon coach Javier Clemente stating: "He is a much better player in attack than he is defensively."  

Song has been one of many in form West Ham players

It was in his and Robin Van Persie's final season at the Emirates that the two created a incredible understanding, with Song finishing the season on 11 assists and earning a transfer to Barcelona. One observation of that notable personal season Song had, going forward meant he would sometimes forget his defensive duties. Although his time at the Nou Camp did not quite work out, Song has come back just as strong it seems and by the looks of things, West Ham have pulled off a real coup getting him in on loan.

The project Allardyce has in mind is something that Song himself admitted tempted him into turning down the likes of Napoli and Galatasary. Song said upon arrival: “West Ham is looking to be a very, very big club in the future. The club has a great project and it is a very big project with very big ambition. I think it’s great for the fans that the club wants to be one of the biggest in England. That’s why I chose to come here." 

If Allardyce can work the same sort of magic he used to lure Song to Upton Park in the first place to secure a permanent transfer, then the club will seriously be making a statement about their future intent. Signing a talent such as Song's will speak volumes for the club and with the clever business they have completed over the summer, could be in contention for a Europa League spot. Song does have his weaknesses, having demonstrated poor discipline at the World Cup as he elbowed an opposition player and saw red and can sometimes forget his defensive duties if he is played in a more attacking central midfield role.  

A rare and tranquil photo of Allardyce 

However, with the way Song has played so far, other big clubs may become interested for a player that is more than likely to leave Barcelona at the end of his loan spell. It is no secret that Arsenal are lacking a strong and combative central midfielder and a return to the Emirates would be more than appealing for Song. Signing the midfielder would be exactly what the Gunners so desperately need and fans cry out for.   

Even if Song being a West Ham player is for just the one season, West Ham fans still have a lot to look forward to under Allardyce who seems to finally have cracked the winning formula in his side following a difficult start to his reign. West Ham are on song for a exciting season, if you will pardon the pun...