3 Reasons Why Arsenal Should Hold On To This World’s Best No 10

Why Gunners should hold on to Özil

Okay, since now we are discussing an under-fire player, let’s make one point clear, Özil is one of the best playmakers in the world and is apparently the most talented footballer in Arsenal, but struggling to fit in.

Joe Mourinho on Ozil,

“There is no copy of him – not even a bad one. He is the best number 10 in the world. He makes things very easy for me and for his team-mates with his football vision and the decisions he makes.”

Here are three reasons to support the German and why Arsenal should hold on to him despite speculation.

1. He is a decisive attacking player for Arsenal despite his form.

World class players have a knack to play decent even when they are in the worst of forms. Özil despite his form struggle creates chances and has key passes in the match. He averages 2.33 chances created and 2.17 key passes per 90 minutes of football. An in form Angel Di Maria is creating at a rate of 3.38 chances and 2.63 key passes per 90 minutes. This clearly shows Özil still has the flair to produce that key pass when nurtured properly.

2. He doesn’t fit as a winger, he’s a number 10!

That’s obvious! We wonder what Wenger has up his sleeves! Özil proved himself to be a star player when he plays just behind the striker where he can dictate play and produce the maximum chances. But as has been the case, his influence on the wings has been average and requires to work much harder than what he did when at Madrid. Against Aston Villa, when he played behind the striker, he produced a great performance as he got one goal and an assist. He’s never been the box to box runner, so purchasing a traditional defensive midfielder in the center and playing Özil at CAM would work best for both parties.

3. Özil is meant for direct style of football.

Arsenal often make the mistake of playing one pass too many. Özil has been in teams that want to kill opponents as soon as possible. Germany, Bremen, Real Madrid etc are teams that bother more about victory. Arsenal put a lot of pressure on players to play with pristine passes and score the perfect goal. Özil would do well if Arsenal have a tactical shift because players like him can be devastating when played in a direct system similar to what Real Madrid did, with Khedira in defensive midfield. Wenger, get the hint!