Context is everything. Watch the below video of Ozil's performance against Leicester City this season.



He's great at keeping the ball but where the heck are the quality chances created that people kept fucking up for him? I watched the game live, the highlights and thank fuck for Youtube but I can't see the 10 great chances we've squandered. A few of the best chances fell to him and he missed the target. (6:15) (6:50). Most of what I see here is sideways and backwards passes. Quick ones or cut backs into an already crowed box to Welbeck aren't great chances put on a plate for Welbeck. (2:20) (2:56). Welbeck could do better and should have done a lot better with the cross against Stoke but these aren't wonder passes here. This is bog standard stuff. In the video above you'll see Ozil screw up similar chances.

Ozil is great at keeping possession and if he had some muscle and hustle, I'd love him as a CM. I don't mind the backwards and sideways cautious passing from a CM because possession is important. But as an attacking midfielder, I expect to see more action from him. Take the man on more, take the risk and don't just pass it to the side if there is a risk of physical contact. He can't shoot for toffee. Good to see him take some shots from outside the area this season but he needs to work on his accuracy. And not to totally kill him, I think he's great at crossing the ball. Despite people saying Giroud and Ozil don't work, fact is, Ozil's best season came with Giroud up front and good chunk of the goals were created from set pieces and crosses. Ozil may hate playing wide left but maybe crossing is his most effective weapon. When faced with a crowed box, he really struggles to create. Compare this video to the last one with the Stoke highlights and just look at what Ox was doing. I don't even rate Ox that highly the chances he created and trouble he was causing is the sort of thing people look over. Those are the sort of chances I say are worth highlighting and saying he's unlucky not to have an assist.