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Song reminds me of Fabregas - Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain claims Alex Song's passing rivals Cesc Fabregas © Getty Images

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes Arsenal's recent success can largely be attributed to the form of Alex Song.

The Gunners, who were rocked by the departures of captain Cesc Fabregas and influential midfielder Samir Nasri in the summer, made a stuttering start to their Premier League campaign.

However, with seven wins on the spin, Arsene Wenger's side have overhauled bitter rivals Tottenham to sit in third place with eight games remaining.

And Oxlade-Chamberlain, who himself has been subject of praise for his performances this season, believes Song is the unsung hero in the side and his range of passing rivals that of Fabregas.

"I can't remember the last game he didn't play - he is always there. Sometimes you don't notice the stuff he does, the defensive side of the game, but he is always there cleaning up," Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player.

"Obviously he has been bringing assists to the team as well. Some of the passes he has been putting in, like for two of the unbelievable volleys Robin [van Persie] has scored, reminds me technically of watching Fabregas put those balls through.

"For a holding midfielder to do that, as well as the defensive side of the game, is brilliant. You can't ask for anything more. He has been brilliant for us all season and he is a really good guy to have in the dressing room as well. He is always happy and putting smiles on everyone's faces - he is a massive part of the squad."

Oxlade-Chamberlain has largely been employed on the wing by Wenger, but attracted praise for his cameo role in central midfield in the Gunners' victory over AC Milan, and he admits he has learnt a lot from the likes of Song and Mikel Arteta.

"I watch them every week in training," he said. "I look at the movement they have off the ball, and when they have the ball they are always positive and looking to find Robin or a winger. I can take that into my own game.

"You always try to learn off anyone in the team, especially top players like Song and Mikel, as well as Aaron [Ramsey] and also Jack [Wilshere] when he is back."

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