Ozil - Do we need him?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Dennis was the man! Ozil is frustrating because I feel like he could contribute a lot more with his skillset. When I watch him play, I often think he plays more like a CM rather than a AM. We can only hope he pushes on this season.

He is more of a central midfielder than an attacking midfielder in terms of goalscoring, just at the same time occupies a more advanced position than someone like Xhaka.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Different times but I’m more so comparing the quality in assists and chances created. It’s not even exclusive to Bergkamp because I’m also comparing the way PSG were able to open us up last night. It’s not about the achievements.

Which was more to do with Cazorla and Coquelin, the former was closed down virtually out of the game, and the other just was often too far forward and lost any willingness to make tackles after an early yellow card.

[Power n Glory]

Do I think 20 goals will make a difference this season. Well yes, of course. Do I think it will by the difference between winning the league and not?
No, but our failure to win the league this season is nothing to do with Ozil, it's because we don't have a top striker.
Ozil is one of the most effective players in his position in the world. Our problems lie elsewhere.
It's a bit like blaming the head waiter on The Titanic for it sinking.

How many teams use a number 10 and is Ozil as effective as Payet or Kevin De Bruyne?

[Penguin]

The quality of the assists don't matter as long as he keeps making them. But he is capable of picking out superb passes if the movement is there. Like the one for Alexis against Reading in the FA cup, or the one for Alexis against Leicester last season, or the one for Alexis against Watford a couple of weeks ago. I'm noticing a pattern there

Doesn't help that Sanchez and Theo are the only two players who actively look to make runs in behind. Someone like Lewandowski would love to have Ozil behind him.

[mastermind84]

What an idiotic thread.

His assists declined last season in the second half because we had no finishers. His chance creation numbers were pretty much the same.

The football aptitude of this forum can be embarrassing sometimes.

Even last night, he created the chance that lead to the goal. But his head is gone apparently. So effing stupid. You been on an anti-Ozil agenda for a while too.

[mastermind84]

Ozil isn't a great player. He's just as marginal for Germany as he is for us. He's a good player but far from great or pivotal.

effing hell this is stupid, lol.

[mastermind84]

Doesn't help that Sanchez and Theo are the only two players who actively look to make runs in behind.

Only Theo makes runs behind. Sanchez does not.

[Power n Glory]

What an idiotic thread.

That's good to know because the idea came from a couple of the discussions I've had with you. With Xhaka in the squad you once said we could play Ramsey and Wilshere as the trio. So it leaves the question of where do we play Ozil?

Looking at PSG last night, they didn't play with a number 10 but 3 CMs. Similar to what you've suggested in the past. I'm not really a fan of 3 flat CM's in the middle but more so in favour of what Henry said about Giroud playing with a strike partner behind him. That could work, but again, where does that leave Ozil?

[Penguin]

What an idiotic thread.

His assists declined last season in the second half because we had no finishers. His chance creation numbers were pretty much the same.

The football aptitude of this forum can be embarrassing sometimes.

Even last night, he created the chance that lead to the goal. But his head is gone apparently. So effing stupid. You been on an anti-Ozil agenda for a while too.

It's a valid thread with good points brought forward on both sides. The only thing embarrassing is your post.

Only Theo makes runs behind. Sanchez does not.

Except when he does, like for those three goals I mentioned?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I think in the debate/argument call it what you will that was had earlier in the year De Bruyne was mooted and I don't see why, if you are looking at Ozil to be an attacking midfielder in that mould then you are destined to be disappointed.
But he's never been that type of player, and if you're saying we should have that kind of player instead of Ozil well that's up to you but I don't think it would work in our system and would if anything actually make our play more compressed.

What we really lack as well as a striker is better options on the flanks as well as a central midfielder who is a pacier version of Aaron Ramsey.....although he minced about the pitch like Charles Hawtrey last night I think Adrien Rabiot would be exactly that kind of player.