One of the biggest talking points for everybody after an Arsenal game is the performance Mesut Ozil. The German often divides opinions but his quality on the pitch can never be questioned. Ozil started just 20 games in the Premier League last season under Unai Emery which is nowhere near enough for a player of his quality.
In the pre-season win over German champions Bayern Munich, the 30-year-old started in his preferred number 10 role and dictated the game for almost all of the first half. Ozil was given the freedom to drop deep when required to pick up the ball and initiate attacks, something he wasn’t seen doing last season.
The former Real Madrid superstar was often deployed on the wings or in an unconventional attacking midfield position where he wasn’t given the positional freedom that he thrives in. Ozil’s game completely revolves around his ability on the ball and the spaces he occupies to make himself available for a pass which is vital for Arsenal’s attacking style of play.
The Gunners have struggled over the years without a clinical goalscorer upfront but they now boast of two world-class strikers who get the job done more often than not. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette’s chemistry on the off the pitch has been evident over the last 18 months and with Ozil’s brilliant ability to set one of the two through on goal, Arsenal can be confident of exceeding their expected goals next season.
Unai Emery has to adapt his system to favour the German next season and that will only be a positive for the Gunners. His incredible vision and outstanding quality on the ball will allow him to create a ton of chances which will benefit the club both in the Premier League as well as in Europe.
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