A popular German newspaper published their column of best football players in several categories. Under the ‘Best German Abroad’ section, the award winner Arsenal’s beloved assist king Mesut Ozil. Ozil also won PFA Fans’ Player of the Month for November and December. Having provided 16 assists this season, the marvelous Mesut is having the best time of his life at the Emirates. However what seemed strange was that the German wasn’t included in their “world class” category.
The kicker rankings are published twice a year and rank players in the Bundesliga as well as those playing abroad. They are divided into four categories: world class, international class, players of note and players in focus.
‘’Ozil has become a mainstay for Arsenal this season,” says the magazine of the midfielder. “Lethargic body language? Going missing in big games? That seems to be in the past. Two of his best games have been against Manchester United (a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win) and Manchester City (two assists in a 2-1 win).’’
That’s why he leads the kicker rankings for “Germans abroad” – but only in the category “international class”.
“The “world class” rating eludes him because of defeats earlier in the season to West Ham and – most embarrassingly – at Dinamo Zagreb and against Olympiakos, which almost cost Arsenal their place in the next round of the Champions League.”
Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus also had his say, adding Ozil is “too inconsistent” to be named world class.
“I expect even more from him,” he said. “Now and then, he hides and you can’t see him just like in the 4-0 defeat at Southampton.”
Well, it seems only unfair on the part of the German magazine to miss out on Ozil in their world class section. The assist master is definitely worthy of being included in the category.