Aleksandr Hleb, originally an attacking midfielder, has recently been showing his true colours in the famous Red and White of Arsenal. But why now? Why not when he first arrived?

Well, it can be argued the Hleb has been showing glimpses of his talent since he began his career at Arsenal. For example, in his first season, he was a vital member of the team that reached the Champions League final, only to lose to Barcelona. He provided the assist for Kolo Toure to stroke home against Villarreal. Subsequently, that goal, along with the heroics of Jens Lehmann, guaranteed Arsenal their first Champions League final.

Hleb himself was expected to fill in the void left by Patrick Vieira, but when he moved on to the wing, he was expected to fill in the gap left by Robert Pires. But the expectations in the game have got higher, and to be a footballer you need a lot of mental strength as well as natural talent.

'Just as in 2004 when Arsenal's midfield was built on Patrick Vieira, the 2007 midfield is built on three artists and technically outstanding players'


Unfortunately, in the eyes of Arsenal fans, Hleb has never been one to impose a physical presence at the heart of midfield. Neither is he one to score goals on a regular basis. But he does create, and he is a vital cog in the Arsenal machine of 2007. He creates, passes and moves with Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky. Just as in 2004 when Arsenal's midfield was built on Patrick Vieira, the 2007 midfield is built on three artists and technically outstanding players.

Fabregas has flair, as has Rosicky, and Hleb has amazing ball control. However, they are not afraid to put the boot in and I think this is one of the main reasons why the Gunners have started to play so well. With Mathieu Flamini in the squad, we're not scared of a bit of a dog fight. Yet despite this, our flair and beauty has grown, and who is one of the main contributors of this? Aleksandr Hleb.

His vision and new-found confidence is rubbing off on his team mates. But where has this confidence come from? Hleb does not look or sound like one of the toughest people in the world, and in some regards that run to the Champions League final was quite bad for the future of this team. All that run signified was the fact that Thierry Henry was Arsenal, and that all the other players had to live in his shadow.

Hleb was one of those, fearing Henry and always inclined to pass to him at every turn. But what happens when you are liberated from your fear. I'll tell you what what happens. You are no longer shackled and you are your own man in charge of your destiny. That is what happened to Aleksandr Hleb, and long may it continue.

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