Oouch Mesut! – Is The Classy German Just A Luxury Player?
It is a commonly known fact that Mesut Ozil isn’t exactly the most hard working footballers in the game. The Arsenal playmaker who is known for his for creativity in the middle of the park is amongst the best midfielders in the world.
In fact, it was this particular skill set that earned him a move from Real Madrid to Arsenal in 2013. The Gunners spent a club record fee of £42.4million for the German international.
Since his debut for the Gunners, Ozil has seen plenty of success in his role, as he has notched up goals and assists for the London club, season after season. Ozil has become a crucial player in Wenger’s team with his consistent performances.
Things were once again looking good for the Gunners as they began to dream of a Premier League title after years. But just when things were looking up, some of the big players at the club were beginning to get unsettled, including Mesut Ozil.
However, the German midfielder was never known for his work-rate on the pitch and often appears to be a bit lazy when it comes to tracking back. It looks like he is definitely a luxury player for the Gunners, from the way he plays.
Many pundits and ex-Gunners have also claimed the same about Ozil. Although he provides the aspect of creativity, so did former Arsenal greats like Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry who gave the team goals, creativity, as well as plenty of labour on the pitch, unlike Mesut Ozil.
In the modern game, footballers have to be equipped with both qualities, especially at a club like Arsenal. Everything, down from his body language to his tracking back, clearly shows that he is incapable of being a work horse for the club.
But, we can’t take away the fact that he is one of the best when it comes to his positioning. Arsenal are definitely lucky to have him in their ranks. But how long can Arsenal afford to keep such a luxury?
Arsene Wenger certainly has a task up his sleeve with Ozil this season. With Alexis Sanchez looking for a way out of the club, things aren’t’ exactly going according to plans for the French manager.
Let’s say Ozil does add the necessary element of work rate to his game, will that really make much of a difference to the side? The more important question here is, are Arsenal solely depending on Ozil improving on the parts of his game in order to get better results?
The answers to these questions will be found when Sanchez leaves the club and when Wenger doesn’t replace him.