IMO - Ozil is difficult to categorize. With his price tag, IMO people are entitled to point out that in terms of individuality he has underwhelmed (with his reputation, I can understand the argument that he hasn't so far been an obvious solo game-changer). But - and this is important - he has been an incredible catalyst for our team in a number of ways. First there are his assists. Undoubtedly, he has turned the result of a number of our games simply by providing one or two sublime passes - even if he has otherwise been fairly anonymous. Secondly, he has given our whole team a lift simply by joining us. He has made our players believe that we can be winners, and that our team and manager have ambition.
Most importantly - he has clearly inspired our other players. Lets make no mistake, for the last few years we have had the talent - but we have been characterised by not fulfilling our potential. Suddenly, we are doing so, and the likes of Ramsey; Giroud; Rosicky and now Wilshere are flourishing and playing to their potential. In a sense, lifting the other players in a team is even more important than being an individual game changer in the mold of a Rooney, a Bale or a Suarez. Football is a team game, and wherever Ozil goes from here, IMO he has been the catalyst for our team. That alone justifies his purchase.
Putting the laughter back into manslaughter
a real inspiration, frustrating sometimes but just pure quality when he's on it. definitely happy we have him
The role arouses interesting debate. I think this is ideally how the role is to be played in a 433 in the game as it is now. I think what has worked against Podolski is Wenger's reservations about his fitness but the beauty of the role to my mind is really the scope to transition from provider/supplier to finisher.
Robben does it well for Munich.
As things have sharpened up he has become almost anonymous when not 'on it' and doesn't seem to have been on it for a while.
This isn't a gripe at the player - but most teams spending 42M would be entitled to expect a game changer - the quality player that makes a difference when you need him. Ain't seeing much of that yet, if I'm honest.
Putting the laughter back into manslaughter
Yep, I said this the other week and a few posters jumped down my throat.
Ozil is a great player but...I don't really ever think he's going to be running games for us or be seen as a dominant force, he certainly won't be dominating the big games IMHO.
I think once he settles down and gets used to PL and the team, he will efficiently go about his business and provide a platform for others to shine.
Ozil is not enough for this team to make the jump from challengers to winners, I think at the very least we need a striker of Ozil's calibre to see the best out of Ozil and Arsenal as a team.
Assuming that's everything so far, he has 9 assists and 5 goals. He has also made numerous chances that haven't been taken. On the whole I remain pleased with signing him. Now, as to his affect on the team, it appears evident that Özil is not the sort of player who will boss a game and dictate it from midfield. For what we paid for him, this seems a little disappointing. However, as a wise man* once said, "all the pieces matter"; Özil just creates chances, it's what he does. That's what his role in the team is. We need other players to supplement this ability, just as other players will flourish if they have someone like Özil constantly making the passes that lead to goals. I remember when AC Milan were dangerous a few years ago that their success was largely based on the combination of Pirlo and Kaka. Kaka mostly took the plaudits but his effectiveness was dependent on Pirlo dictating the pace of the game slightly further back.
*Lester Freeman, in The Wire, top show, btw
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil wins Germany player of the year award
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...d-9047409.html
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Cannot be! He's not been good enough for Arsenal. Must be what he did in Madrid...![]()
The thing about Ozil, his price tag and the according level of expectation is that most teams who spend in that region for a player, are usually buying a centre a forward. A centre forward at that price is usually a proven goal scorer. Even if he doesn't get a single assist, most will be happy because of his goal record.
Consequently Ozil is going to get compared to some of the best forwards in the world even though he isn't one himself. I agree to an extent that he will ostensibly be appearing to justify the price tag once we have one or two players in the team that are clinical with their chances.