Mesut Ozil Backed by Former Arsenal Stars Amid Criticism

Mesut Ozil has once again been defended by former Arsenal teammates, as the debate over his legacy and work ethic at the club continues to stir strong opinions among fans and pundits alike.

Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal Journey: Brilliance and Scrutiny

Mesut Ozil arrived at Arsenal in 2013 from Real Madrid in a then-record transfer deal, bringing with him the reputation of being one of the world’s top playmakers. Over eight seasons at the Emirates, Ozil delivered 77 assists and 44 goals in 254 appearances. Despite his creative influence, the German international became a divisive figure, often criticized for his supposedly languid style and perceived lack of effort on the pitch.

Former Teammates Refute ‘Lazy’ Tag

Recently, ex-Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reignited the discussion during an appearance on Ben Foster’s Fozcast podcast. Oxlade-Chamberlain refuted claims regarding Mesut Ozil’s work rate, labeling the criticism as “absolute nonsense.” He remarked, “People just see, if he gives it away, is he going to start sprinting? That wasn’t part of his game, but the amount of running he did off the ball… just look at the stats. You got no clue how much running he does off the ball.”

Nacho Monreal, another former teammate, has now echoed these sentiments. In an interview with GOAL, Monreal voiced his admiration, calling Ozil his “favourite player” at Arsenal. “In my time as an Arsenal player, I think Mesut was one of the best players, my favourite player, probably the most technical. He always tried to help the team. I don’t know why people say that [Ozil is lazy]. I have great memories of Mesut,” Monreal said.

Arsenal Successes and Ozil’s Controversial Exit

Ozil’s tenure with the Gunners was marked by both triumph and turbulence. Under Arsene Wenger, he played a pivotal role in ending Arsenal’s trophy drought, helping the club lift three FA Cups. However, his role diminished under subsequent managers Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta, eventually leading to his exclusion from the Premier League squad in the 2020-21 season.

Reflecting on his departure, Ozil expressed disappointment about how his Arsenal career ended, stating publicly on social media: “Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated.” He added that he would keep fighting for his chance, but his contract was eventually terminated in January 2021, allowing him to join Fenerbahce on a free transfer.

Post-Arsenal: The Final Chapters of Ozil’s Career

After leaving Arsenal, Mesut Ozil’s playing days were hindered by injuries. He made 37 appearances for Fenerbahce before moving to Istanbul Basaksehir, where he played just seven times before retiring from professional football.

Legacy of a Modern Playmaker

Ozil’s career at Arsenal continues to divide opinion. Some laud his vision and creativity, crediting him with changing the dynamics of the Gunners’ attack, while others point to inconsistency and a lack of impact in the club’s final years under his contract. However, the support from former teammates suggests that much of the criticism around his work ethic may have lacked context and misunderstood the nature of his game.

Opinion: Time to Appreciate Mesut Ozil’s True Impact

In my view, Mesut Ozil’s time at Arsenal deserves greater appreciation. His technical brilliance and creative output were pivotal during a transformative period for the club. While his languid playing style was often mistaken for disinterest, his statistics and the testimony of close colleagues highlight his dedication. It’s a reminder that excellence in football takes many forms, and judging players solely by their body language overlooks the nuances of their contribution.

For more news on football legends and current stars, visit our homepage for more news.