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Pundit says people forget how brilliant player was at Arsenal because of ‘horrible’ final year
Steve Nicol has suggested that it is unfortunate that many largely remember the final year before Mesut Ozil left Arsenal rather than the brilliance he was capable of on the pitch.
Few Premier League players have prompted stronger debates over the years than Mesut Ozil. The 35-year-old is a World Cup winner, with over 40 goals and 70 assists in all competitions for Arsenal.
Kieran Gibbs has suggested that it was unbelievable to play alongside Ozil. However, some will argue that the former Germany international never quite realised his full potential. On his day, there were few players with more ability.
Steve Nicol thinks many overlook how good Mesut Ozil was at Arsenal
Ozil left Arsenal in 2021 with his contract being ripped up. In fact, he spent the large majority of his final year at the Emirates not playing, with Mikel Arteta not selecting him.
And speaking on , Steve Nicol suggested that the manner of his departure somewhat overshadows everything Ozil did during his time at Arsenal.
“What was the deal at the end? Because it almost felt as if he kind of had this tag of he was just taking the dough,” he said.
“It’s just unfortunate people remember the last bit though. They forget all the brilliance before it. The first thing that came to my mind and I should know better, but the end was just horrible. It’s not befitting of a guy who was just that good.”
Midfielder’s reputation may change with time
Ozil is the kind of player whose reputation will probably change over time. Of course, the debate over whether he made the most of his talent will rage on for some time to come.
But there is no question that he was capable of doing things on a football pitch that very few others in the world had the ability to do.
In truth, there is probably an argument that all sides were not blameless in why Ozil’s time at the Emirates never quite hit the heights it should have done.
Clearly, he had the quality. But Arsenal were still coming to terms with the fact that they were not the team they once were. And Ozil was not able to elevate the side despite arguably having the ability to.
Perhaps we will never know the full story of what went on during his time in North London. That only adds to making Ozil such an enigma.