Arsenal-Mania Exclusive: In-depth report on Alexander Hleb

Arsenal were linked with him two seasons ago and even last season when Vieira was on the verge of leaving. This season, Arsenal has been reported by several sources to be making a bid of around £7m for him, some sources say it will rise to £12m but I guess when the media can give Shaun Wright Philips a price tag of £20m or £30m even, we can never be sure of the actual price he will cost.

Now comes the interesting part: just who is Alexander Hleb? Why should we be excited at the prospect of signing this player? Why shouldn't we just focus on SWP? If you frequent the Arsenal-Mania forums or other Arsenal-related forums, German-based Arsenal fans gave rave reviews and think we should sign him. Let's have a look at what some of our members say about him. Click on the link as well for pictures of Hleb.
Pictures Courtesy of KresVit

"Now this is a player that excites me. Looked great last year against United when I saw Stuggart outplay them at Old Trafford; immaculate touch and technique and very creative. I doubt it will happen, but it's interesting that we are getting linked to creative midfielders like Maniche, Carrick e.t.c to replace Vieira, rather than the powerhouses as would be expected. Vieira leaving would mean changing our style of play, I think, with these players suggesting the new style is geared towards conquering Europe." Posted by patrick42uk, at the time before this season started.

"With a smile like that, how can we say no?" Posted by _scorpion_ , this really cracked me up. You would have to go to the forum and have a look at the picture to understand.

"I'd be bloody delighted if we signed him - massive talent, and definitely able to play Arsenal football." Posted by asajoseph

"And he won't whinge about the weather either." Posted by Soler, at the time when Reyes were reported by the media to be suffering from the cold English weather.

"Hleb, as discussed before, would be a massive quality boost for our squad: he can play any position in midfield; his dribblings and his pace are outstanding; his ability to pass is great; he is an intelligent forward that will most likely link well with our strikers.

"And like Soler said, growing up in Kiev will probably not lead to him complaining about the English weather / lifestyle.

"From what I have observed, he is an intelligent and committed professional - and only 23 years old. A perfect long term replacement for Píres." Posted by Sammer

"This guy is class, he is a brilliant player. I would love to see him in the Arsenal jersey, I've watched him several times and he has impressed me time after time. Recently, against Schalke 04. He works very much (reminds me a little of Freddie), he has a superb technique and has huge force forward with his speed." Posted by Unbeaten

"Anybody, who hasn't seen Hleb play should watch him closely until the end of the season (if possible). The performance against Schalke was just one example of what he is capable of.

"Hleb is basically the main reason why Stuttgart has been doing well since 2-3 seasons. And he has proven against the Mancs in the CL that he can handle the European level very well.

"He is a class better than SWP, who admittedly might be a good, but too expensive addition to our squad. Hleb over SWP any day for me." Posted by Sammer

Interesting quotes from some of the members. There were many who question whether Hleb can adapt to the English League as he doesn't look very well built but the German league is very competitive and physical as well. Hleb also played against Manchester United in the Champions League before and did very well against them.

After doing some research of my own about his achievements in the Bundesliga, this is what I managed to find.

Hleb has:

9 goals and 11 assists in 2002/2003
5 goals, 8 assists in 2003/2004
2 goals 14 assists in 2004/2005

As a road soccer player he was discovered by the Belarus club BATE Borisov">BATE Borisov. In January 2000, he officially signed for VfB Stuttgart. He will later become the player to have the number 10 shirt and become the playmaker this season. He is being dubbed as dribbling king for his masterful dribbles and terrorizing defences in the Bundesliga.

In this season, he has played the most matches along with Timo Hildebrand and has the highest assist. His contribution to the creative force of Stuggart is emphasized with him creating 14 assists, the second highest player, Refuge Heldt has 6 assists.

I must admit I did not see much of his games but people who had seen him play countless matches in Germany for the past few seasons will be able to give a more accurate account of what he can bring to Arsenal, such as Sammer and asajoseph. They are two very good sources for information on players in the Bundesliga.

However, based on the statistics and what the forum members say, I believe if Hleb comes to Arsenal, he will get a chance to showcase his skills and talent; the German version of Robben or a better version of Cristiano Ronaldo?

He is only 23 and has been consistent in the last 3 seasons in Stuggart - he can only get better under Arsène's guidance. I hope he comes to Arsenal and who knows, even entice Timo Hilderbrand to join us! We can dream, can't we?

I hope you enjoy this report and convince you that the forum contains quality posters with vast knowledge of other leagues as well.

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