The arrival of German superstar Mesut Ozil was greeted with hope that this would be the final piece of puzzle that would out the Gunners trophy drought to rest. Costing Wenger a record 42 million, the former Schalke youngster left the Bernabeu for the Emirates in August 2013. Few doubted his exceptional quality but the question on everyone mind was that is Ozil worth that much ?
His initial performances proved his worth. Immaculate assists and creativity saw him and Arsenal take the Premier League by storm. League leaders, best defence in the league and the form of players like Ramsey and Giroud in front of goal propelled the Londoners into a position of comfort as they saw off the likes of Liverpool to stay atop of the table. A first-half of the season that exceeded everyone’s expectations, including Wenger himself.
Then came a period where he did get on the ball a lot and did create a lot but gradually receded into the shadows. Eventually, a burnout of sorts during the festive period left Ozil dry and devoid of ideas. He seemed to take more time on the ball and lose focus during games. Moreover the record signing from Real Madrid seemed lost in the middle of the park for quite a few games in the new year. None of his lost performances affected the team more than the one at Anfield. A 5-1 hammering at the hands of title-rivals Liverpool and more significantly, the Gunner’s golden boy being at fault twice for those goals was the epitome of all of the his lacklustre performances.
While at his best, Mesut Ozil is like an elegant artist. He glides about on the pitch weaving his way past defenders like it’s a merry dance. His left foot is like a magic wand, one that provides assists as and when it pleases. Such an elegant and beautiful player to watch – Ozil has come under such immense criticism recently, for what ?
Its not unknown that he dislikes all the defensive work that’s demanded of a midfielder. His lack of interest in games are sometimes so evident that its frustrating for any Gunner to watch. There’s a seeming lack of commitment from the German, something that is essential if you are trying to win fans over.
His ability isn’t doubted but his application and consistency is. ‘Lazy and Lost’ or ‘Elegant and efficient’ which is the Ozil going to turn up for the rest of the season ?
