Arsenal: Mesut Ozil now has one more criticism to dispel

Mesut Ozil has signed a new contract, keeping him at Arsenal until the summer of 2021. He now only has one more criticism to dispel: that he is a mercenary.

Mesut Ozil is a wonderfully gifted footballer. While his influence on the pitch has not always reached the same wonderful levels as his natural talent, leading to a mire of critique and questioning throughout his turbulent Arsenal tenure, his ability is undoubted.

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But that has not stopped the critics from voicing their detractions of his game. First, it was a lack of physical presence that would be exposed in the uniquely aggressive English game; then it was an inability to perform against the best teams; then it was an absence of fire or fight, as belied by his languid, sometimes lumbering body language.

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In fairness, some of these criticisms did carry a level of credence. Certainly, Ozil’s body language, for example, was an issue, portraying a failure to care and an absence of passion. But they have, slowly but surely, been answered, one by one. And this season, in particular, the level and the consistency of his performance has risen to a point that, now, his reputation has been certified and his doubters have, to some extent, at least, been silenced.

There is just one question left for him to quash, and he has the perfect opportunity to do so during the remainder of this campaign. By some parts of the media and the general football fandom, Ozil’s motives have been questioned as solely money orientated. Given the wages that Arsenal are set to pay him, it is easy to see why.

To these people, Ozil’s recent uptick in form was not because he is finally fulfilling his skill and his responsibility. Rather, it was because his contract expired at the end of the year and he wanted to advertise himself, both to this current club and the potential suitors who would, presumably, be bidding for his services in the summer.

Well, now he has that contract — £350,00-a-week is certainly a sign that he has sold himself well. If Ozil is a mercenary as some suggest, and as many have chosen to label Alexis Sanchez after his move to Manchester United earlier in the January window, then his performances will now begin to tail off. Right?

I do not know if Ozil was playing for a new contract or simply playing because he wanted to win. I do not know Ozil personally. I do not know his character; I do not know his motivations. Only time will tell.

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But if Ozil does want to finally dispel the last dregs of critic that stand against him, then he has the perfect opportunity to do so this season. Play and play well, and few will doubt either his ability or his commitment again.