So much has been written about Mesut Ozil, that it’s often difficult to differentiate between the immensely talented, creative midfielder who deserves the applause and the lackluster, languid, peripheral figure, that frustrates and infuriates the media, pundits and fans.
Arsenal, and indeed the Premiership, have few players to match his sublime skills. Skills that provide many crucial assists and can kill off a game with a single, precise pass.
His delicate touch, vision and understanding of the game just fall short of genius because he often drifts aimlessly when the chips are down and Arsenal are deprived of possession.
However, with his recent international retirement at the hands of a host of racist Germans, Ozil can now focus on Arsenal football club and justify his salary of £350,000 a week.
Unfortunately for Ozil, Arsenal have no one else capable of pulling the strings or fashioning chances like the German. As a result, he will need to be at his very best for Arsenal to pull off solid performances. Should he be in top form, the Gunners can even beat the big sides, that’s how important he is.
The German’s main problem is that he is an emotional player who wants to be loved and appreciated. He wilts under heavy criticism and loses concentration and form, so Emery will need to find a solution and become cheerleader and fire blanket as each occasion arises.
Ozil’s other problem is the lack of support from like-minded players. Such is his skill level, that others can’t seem to tune in and compliment his vision. I’d like to think that we will see Ozil at his imperious best, with a point to prove and that his recent difficulties could provide a spectacular win for the Gunners.
