The Flamergas Factor

Arsenal’s flying start to the 2007/08 season has been largely attributed to the form of the prodigious young talent that is Francesec Fabregas. He has been in mesmerising form, already into double figures for goals this season, adding his usually tally of classy assists, and marshalling the midfield as though it is an extension of his own body. Many have pointed to the departure of the great Thierry Henry for the sensational form Fabregas has shown this season, but I would point the finger at a far quieter, and very un va-va-voom Frenchman for the form of the young Catalan – Monsieur Matthieu Flamini.

Flamini has been a largely peripheral figure at Arsenal since his controversial move from Marseille in the summer of 2004, filling in at various positions when called upon by Wenger, most notably in Arsenal’s tremendous run to the final of the European Champions League two years ago. In the premiership, he has been a bit-part player at best, with his best season for appearances being 2005-06, clocking up 19 starts (many of them out of position, or due to injury or suspension).

It looked increasingly likely that the pragmatic Frenchman would be leaving this summer, as he made it clear he needed regular first team football to further his international career. Wenger persuaded Matthieu to stay, telling him he should fight for his place, and that he would get his chance given Gilberto Silva’s extended leave due to his Copa America exploits.

Although an affable chap and extremely hard-working on the pitch, not many Gooners would have been that disappointed to see him leave, as he had not shown the kind of technical ability normally associated with Wenger centre midfielders – however, having started every premier league game this season, and the first three Champions League games, he has proved all his doubters wrong (including myself), and is now one of the most important components of this slick young team. He doesn’t posses the quick feet or vision of Rosicky, Hleb or Fabregas, but it is his engine, aggression and giant lungs that enable the said magicians to do their stuff. With every appearance, he is keeping out Gilberto Silva - a world cup winner, Arsenal’s stand in captain last season, and one of the better Arsenal players from last year’s disappointing premiership campaign.

Gilberto is an expert at running from side-to-side and blocking holes where hal-strikers pop-up and weave their magi. But Flamini, has matured, observed and watched, and can now do the Gilberto sideways running and sitting, as well as running from box-to box run, across the pitch, diagonally, in circles, in triangles, and from corner flag to corner flag. This ability to cover more ground than just about anyone in the premiership allows Fabregas the freedom to go and do whatever he wants – score and make goals. I’m not a fan of Frank Lampard, and would never compare Fabregas to that very limited Chelski midfielder, but I will compare the way the club tactics board. At Chelsea, Lampard plays in front of two of Makelele, Essien or Obi Mikel – three fantastic defensive midfielders. It means he has zero defensive responsibility, can do just about whatever he fancies, and pick up the bits and pieces after Drogba has mauled the opposition centre-back (which is also why he struggles for England – increased responsibility). Fabregas doesn’t have quite that same luxury, and would never shirk defensive duties, as he quite enjoys a physical duel, but it is Matthieu’s stepping to the proverbial plate has certainly given Cesc the licence to thrill on a weekly basis, and how Arsenal are profiting.

So when people ask me why I think Cesc is performing so well this season, it isn’t because of Theirry’s departure, increased responsibility or being a year older – it’s because of the form of the oh so pragmatic Frenchman, Matthieu Flamini. So what of the Makele role? I for one much prefer the Flamini factor.

Martin Webb