Arsenal: Mesut Ozil as Robin van Persie successor terrifying prospect

Mesut Ozil is reportedly being lined up as a possible target for Manchester United. Ozil as Robin van Persie’s successor in leaving Arsenal for the Manchester club is a truly terrifying prospect.

Mesut Ozil is an extremely divisive figure among Arsenal circles. Such is his languid, sometimes lethargic style, often influencing the game in the unassuming, unnoticeable ways, very much like the oil in the concoction of machinery and industry, that it is easy to overlook the role that he plays within the side.

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And yet, simultaneously, what is seen at face value is so often the truth of the matter. Ozil is lazy, especially when it comes to the defensive side of the game, he lacks a ruthless edge in front of goal, rarely scoring enough goals to vindicate his talent, and his influence wanes on games when he is ruffled and restless.

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Moreover, adding to the pot of uncertainty, his future is also a problem that is without a solution. And it only compounds the swirling doubt and questioning that engulfs his play. Not only can people not agree on his qualities and influence on the pitch, but no one knows whether he will even be on the pitch next season for the Gunners.

And the latest side to be linked with a move for Ozil next summer, trying to prize away a world class player on a free, is Manchester United. Managed by Jose Mourinho, who famously, in a fiery and blazing fury, lashed out at Ozil just before his sale to Arsenal while at Real Madrid. It doesn’t seem like a match made in heaven.

However, very much like Robin van Persie who controversially made the switch north with just a year remaining on his contract in North London, Ozil would enter the perfect situation to flourish.

Mourinho has established the perfect foundation, with a sizable and solid midfield, searing and direct pace in wide areas, and a hustling, bustling, bullying centre-forward in Romelu Lukaku to play off, for Ozil to play at the heart of. It is in this scenario that his reserved, modest, and overlooked influence comes to the fore.

For Arsenal, Ozil is asked to be the primary creator and finisher, alongside Alexis Sanchez, driving the side forwards with inspirational attacking play. But that is not his perfect role. Ozil is a facilitator; he is not a leading, pioneering player, he is a supporter, an encourager, a dripping of the oil on a clunky chain.

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At United, inserted into the team that Mourinho is building, Ozil would be able to play in exactly that manner. And that, for all in the Premier League, is a truly terrifying prospect.