Is there a more polarising figure in world football than Mesut Ozil?
Aside from the ever-maddening tedium of Messi v Ronaldo, the debate about the German playmaker’s true quality pollutes more internet comments sections than any other topic.
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Reuters Ozil salutes the crowd against Leicester last night[/caption]
Some see him as the cultured assist king of the world.
While others think of him as part ghost, part flat-track bully.
I have long been a huge admirer of Ozil, which is why I was delighted he was able to silence a few critics – again – with a mesmerising Man of the Match display against Leicester.
And no, I don’t support Arsenal.
Ozil went off to a standing ovation against SpursReuters
Ozil is a player who has prided himself on his selflessness long before Kevin De Bruyne publicly stated he prefers assists to goals.
The World Cup-winning midfielder is the only player in history to have been the season’s top assist provider in the Bundesliga, La Liga and the Premier League.
Few have ever questioned his clever use of possession.
Style and substanceGetty - Contributor
But here’s the thing, the idea that Ozil lacks desire has always been something of a myth.
Two seasons ago he covered the second most ground out of all the Arsenal players and yet was dubbed ‘lazy’ time and time again.
Many can’t see past his relaxed demeanour.
His composure is what makes him such a good playmaker but it’s also what attracts criticism, as people mistake it for disinterest.
People seem to have an issue with the way he runs, rather than the actual distance he covers.
Just because he doesn’t radiate emotion on the pitch, doesn’t mean his desire to win burns any less brightly than other top-level professionals.
Don’t be fooled by his casual demeanourChannel 4
I will admit that his influence on big games has been minimal in recent times.
But his reputation as a flat-track bully is something that has only come into existence since he became an Arsenal player.
In fact, prior to his days in North London, he was thought of as a player who often saved his best for derbies or games against direct rivals.
Cristiano Ronaldo loved having Ozil as a team-mateReuters
Ozil has been named Germany’s Player of the Year fives times in the last seven years.
And the likes of Thomas Muller, Philipp Lahm, Toni Kroos, Jerome Boateng, Manuel Neuer and more have provided stiff competition in that time.
Joachim Low, the German public, and many of his team-mates have long been appreciative of Ozil’s form in major tournaments.
So then, if Ozil performed in big games for his previous clubs, and continues to do so for Germany, isn’t it possible that the blame for his ineffectiveness in crucial games lies elsewhere?
Doesn’t this suggest the problem is with Arsenal, not Ozil?
Ozil was viewed as Germany’s best player for yearsGetty - Contributor
Ozil has always struck me as someone who trusts in his philosophy entirely.
He is unwavering in his devotion to a pass-heavy, methodical style — an approach Arsenal haven’t always been able to implement against top teams in recent years.
Perhaps, if those around him had the same confidence (and ability) to break down even the most challenging of opponents down through patient possession, Ozil would shine in big games once again?
He can not exist in a vacuum.
He believes in the beautiful gameGetty - Contributor
I shouldn’t let him off the hook completely.
A mark of a world-class player is being able to adapt to a match situation and so perhaps critics should be judging Ozil’s stubbornness or unwillingness to adapt, rather than his lack of desire?
Overall though, he’s a class act.
Ya Gunners YaAction Images - Reuters
If you aren’t an Ozil appreciator then you’re missing out.
To be blind to his true class is a tragedy for any football fan.
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