Mesut Ozil on the decline?

MESUT OZIL ON THE DECLINE ?  by Gerald Mbonu

The summer transfer deadline capture of Mesut Ozil by Arsene Wenger from Real Madrid,at a time many least expected was hailed as one of the greatest transfer tricks to be pulled out of the sleeves of the Arsenal boss in recent times,bearing in mind that his transfer policy has been under the spotlight for a while now and his inability to lift a trophy since 2005 has only helped fuel the debate.

Mesut Ozil arrived the Emirates with a very huge reputation of being one of the best creator of goals in Europe for the last few years with a total of 81 assists in 159 games for Real Madrid.

Ozil’s early performances for the Gunners was a beauty to behold as he single handly opened up any defence at will with his silk passes and long range vision. He soon gained a reputation around the Emirates for his passes and assists to the extent many coined a new meaning for the name “Ozil” to mean “assist”.

He soon backed up his series of good performances with goals,as the "eagle eyed" German just grew better.

Millions of Arsenal shirts with the number 11 were sold worldwide within one month of his arrival with his name on the lips of every Arsenal fan both young and old, not forgetting the morale in the Arsenal dressing room which was instantly lifted by the German  also known as the "der Rabe" (the Raven, or in Spanish, "El Cuervo").

Six months later...and the music seems to be gradually changing.

The German international has been making the headline in recent times for not too fantastic reasons ranging from lack of a strong physique to a sluggish style of play.

Though all these headlines seemed to be mere words from critics trying to soil the good reputation of the most expensive German international until last night when the camera captured teammate Mathieu Famini holding Ozil and making it very clear to him that he is “Lazy” and not putting in much “effort” as Bayern tore their team apart on home soil.

          

Ozil’s inability to impose himself in big games since his arrival at the Emirate has left Arsenal found wanting in recent clashes against teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and the recent 5 – 1 bashing by Liverpool at Anfield.

Even Wenger, usually so protective of his players could not hide his frustration on the baby face German’s recent dip in form after last night's defeat to Bayern Munich when he was quoted saying “Özil’s head dropped and he was affected by it,” Wenger said. “He wanted to do so well tonight and it affected him. Five or 10 minutes later on the pitch and he was shaking his head still.”

Ozil’s recent drop in form has left many wondering what could have gone wrong. Many Gunners faithful would attribute this to his inadequate rest since performing in his first series of festive games and so blame it on fatigue.

While former German International Micheal Ballack thinks otherwise but blames Ozil’s dip in form on the treatment he receives from his Arsenal teammates.

“He looks a bit lost in this team,” Ballack said. “When he came here there was so much expectation with the quality he has. The first games he looked good, played well and was comfortable. With his quality he should be untouchable and bring out so much in the team. But it looks like he has not the acceptance of the team.”

Ballack particularly cited two incidents. The 6-3 defeat against Manchester City when Per Mertesacker angrily challenged Özil over his failure to acknowledge the travelling Arsenal fans. And then, against Bayern, when Mathieu Flamini vocally remonstrated with him, presumably about a failure to track back. 

It all highlights a significant issue for Wenger in the make-up of this squad. Özil’s qualities cannot be easily dismissed – he is a player of wonderful vision and passing ability – but, in order to thrive, he needs to be surrounded by the right personnel.

He is clearly not a personality in the mould of a Thierry Henry, a Steven Gerrard, a Robin van Persie or even a Luis Suarez; someone who will single-handedly lift their team-mates in the most difficult moments.

Wenger is adamant that Özil’s languid body language is misleading but he clearly does not look comfortable with all the responsibility that has been thrust upon him.

Having missed a penalty in almost identical fashion against Marseille earlier this season, there seemed little enthusiasm to even take the spot-kick.

Ballack, again, put it more bluntly. “Özil did not look confident – he walked to the ball slowly, so maybe there is someone who wants it more, but there wasn’t,” he said.

“He has the ability to score from 12 yards, it’s not a big deal but there was just no confidence.”

It puzzles to wonder how Mr Assist has quickly become Mr Anonymous. How a man carries himself is important. What he does to help others is the mark of a man. "Ozil's stockpile of credibility has nosedived because he seems to be unaware of giving for the greater good".

 With comments like this being made by Arsenal faithful one will not help but ask the question is Mesut Ozil really on the decline?