Arsenal: Disparaging Mesut Ozil reports don’t need verification

Arsenal’s German maestro Mesut Ozil is on the receiving end of some pretty terrible reports, but whether they are true or not, the reaction should be the same.

Arsenal’s inability to muster any sort of fight against Watford was so typical of the Gunners and, worst of all, it has been so typical of Mesut Ozil, who was arguably the spark that ignited the loss. And now, it’s only getting worse.

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According to reports from the Daily Mail, Mesut Ozil’s effort is not only questionable in matches, but is now also questionable in training. The report goes on to say that it is beginning to worry staff and players alike.

Reports also indicate that Ozil has told his team mates that he will be leaving for Manchester United.

I’m always one to question reports such as this and give players the benefit of the doubt. Granted, sources like this can never be cited by name or quote because that goes against pretty much everything.

But honestly, whether they are true or not, it doesn’t matter. If they are true, than shame on Ozil, he needs to buck up and put on his game face, because he has a lot still to give and to just tune out would be to waste precious time on the football pitch as well as hurt his image.

if they aren’t true, then prove them wrong. We’ve been so critical of Ozil and his very nature since his introduction to Arsenal and while he initially took steps to get rid of those questions, he has since flat-lined. The determined Ozil that was saw return from injury in early 2015 is gone. What we have now often looks like a hollow shell of a man.

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These reports are massively troubling. Mostly because the training ones are, in fact, believable. The Gunners did perfectly fine without him and, when he did return, it all went horribly wrong. In response, Ozil looked defeated yet again and thus spawned the reports that he carried that defeated aura right into training.

I’m not asking for Ozil to become N’Golo Kante. That’s silly. But how about some sort of desire to prove himself? You may say that Ozil should never have to prove himself, but that’s absolutely not the case.

Everyone, no matter who they are, if they fall out of favor or out of form, they have an obligation to the team that they play on to prove themselves. Ozil has gotten off free of this responsibility since he came to Arsenal. Whether that was because of his status or because of Wenger’s belief in him, the result is the same.

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Just like the result of these questionable reports should be the same – prove something. Do something that hasn’t been asked of you.