Why Mesut Ozil Will Only Get Better For Arsenal

Watching Mesut Özil against Liverpool at the weekend I started to think how effective he would be if he had a different striker playing in front of him.

I'm not slating Olivier Giroud, by the way - if I had to choose a striker to lead the line from the Premier League it would probably be him. But the one thing that I'd question him on is that he hasn't got the pace to get in behind the striker. He's your typical big forward with a lovely twinge of South American flair with all his flicks and fancy passes, but he's not the quickest of individuals.

The thing is, at Real Madrid, Özil was feeding balls into Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain, both of whom aren't looking to hold up the ball like Giroud - they're playing on the shoulder of the last defender.

The only time Özil looks really effective with Giroud is when the German drifts onto the right flank and crosses balls into the box or with a set piece delivery. I know Özil is quality, and so is Giroud, but imagine if we [Arsenal] signed Luis Suarez or or the like.

Unfortunately for Ozil, there isn't much pace on the wings either side of him. However that may change and increase Arsenal's threat when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott return form injury - a thought to leave your mouth watering, no?

I think it would then lead into a more three-pronged attack, with Ozil picking up possession and threading a ball through and in beyond the full-back. Walcott, Oxlade or Podolski could then recieve the ball they could potentially look to get a shot off on goal or put the ball into the box where Giroud is so, so good at making runs to the front post (See goal against Tottenham this season). And even if the ball is stood up, he can win headers, too!

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Comments

[Sphinx37]

I have watched Ozil at RM for a year. I was'nt happy to see him leave. His problem are Arsenal is two folds: one, the other midfielder go away from him, simply not playing with him. He likes to get the ball back and that is how he create scores for others. Second, Arsenal is not having the likes of Renaldo or Banzema that have the required speed and knowing where the pass and the ball will be delivered to them. BUT, it will take time. I believe Arsenal have the right chemistry.