Holding Centre mid – 98/99 Steve Lomas apps: 30, goals: 0 Vs 01/02 Michael Carrick apps: 30, goals: 2 Vs 14/15 Alex Song apps: 14, goals: 0
Steve Lomas, having taken the captain’s armband for the season, showed some notable leadership skills in the engine room of the Irons midfield and provided the foil for a young Frank Lampard to excel in the advanced midfield position. Lomas may have come under fire from fans at various points in his career, however, his work-rate cannot be questioned in front of the back four as it contributed to the team’s impressive defensive record that season.
Whilst Lomas was enjoying life with the armband in 98/99, a young midfielder by the name of Michael Carrick was inspiring West Ham to Youth Cup victory scoring twice in a 9-0 victory over Coventry City. In 01/02, Carrick was fully established in the first team and impressing in the holding midfield role due to his delightful distribution and his silky technique that allowed those in front of him the freedom to express themselves.
It’s unlike West Ham to extend their recruitment policy to the Catalan giants Barcelona but when Alex Song became available for loan the term ‘no brainer’ seemed appropriate. Following the advice of his cousin and mentor Rigobert (who himself featured five times for us in the 01/02 season), Alex traded in the Champions League for Upton Park and his professionalism was adamant immediately as he wore the captain’s armband on his debut standing in for Kevin Nolan. His composure and confidence on the ball combined with his proficiency to dictate the tempo has aided the team’s improvement in playing style. His performance in the home win against Manchester City was a joy to behold and proved that he is a world class player, what were Arsenal thinking letting him go?
My pick: Alex Song.
Ashley…the guy has been with us for 5 minutes…how on earth can you even think about comparing him to the Bonds, Brookings, and Devonshires ???? Come back to me in five years when he has stuck with us through thick and thin and played 250 games then we can begin to talk.