Arsenal: Why has it taken this long for Mesut Ozil to get it?

Arsene Wenger has stated that Mesut Ozil is at the peak of his powers because he is physically fitter. Why has it taken the Arsenal midfielder this long to get it?

Mesut Ozil is a wonderfully gifted footballer. His guile, his touch, his technical skill. There are few players who have the same game-intelligence and attacking creativity as the German. He sees things that few others can see, he plays passes with the perfect weight, he attacks with beautiful elegance.

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And yet, for £42 million, Arsenal’s club-record signing at the time, it would be an understatement to say that he has ever reached his peak for more than a few months here and there. Fleeting moments of quality prove his talent. But his inconsistencies cast doubt on his value and utility.

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But in recent games, namely, against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, Ozil is seemingly playing close to, or at, his best. When asked about his recent blossoming form, Arsene Wenger, his manager, stated that it was because of an improved physical sharpness and mental determination:

"“Mesut has worked hard and he is extremely fit at the moment as well, and that is why you see him sharp. The quality of his technical aspect is always there but he has added a more determined attitude and that is what you want from him. Football today is very demanding in the mental and physical aspects and Mesut is in much better physical shape than he was before. Every player wants to be a star and when they don’t manage to do it they are really disappointed but the best way to achieve it is to work hard and show the quality of performance that people expect from you.”"

Firstly, it must be stated that Ozil has not exactly proved anything different from previous glimpses of his best. It has been two or three games, at best. He still has much to prove that this year is different to any purple patches of prior seasons.

But the fact that he is physically more prepared, four years into his Arsenal career, is somewhat disrespectful to the club. It should not have taken him so long to work that much out. Football, after all, is not exactly a non-contact sport. It requires running. Surprisingly, the fitter you are the better prepared you will be to succeed.

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For now, Ozil certainly looks better than he did last season. His first step is quicker, his body is leaner and stronger, and his attitude is much more committed. It should not have taken him so long. But it is nice to see that he has, even if he is yet to prove it for more than a few glimpses.