Arsenal: Is this a new Mesut Ozil?

Mesut Ozil has been in excellent form of late, so much so that this week Unai Emery stated his pleasure with the Arsenal playmaker. Is this is a new Mesut Ozil?

Mesut Ozil has long been criticised for his lacking attitude. His apparent absent commitment and lazy approach to matches have cost his teams in games, say his biggest detractors. These are, go the arguments, especially pertinent away from home, when industry and effort are as valuable as quality on the ball.

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Certainly, there is a case to be made. In many of Arsenal’s matches on their travels, Ozil has a worrying propensity to go missing. No one is doubting his quality, his manipulation of the ball, his skill and technical ability, his creativity and control. They are doubting his character.

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In recent weeks, however, not only has Ozil’s form taken a promising upturn, but his commitment to the team, his body language, his effort levels, have also significantly improved. And this week, after one of Ozil’s best performances of the season, Monday night’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United, Unai Emery was keen to praise Ozil, not just for his ability but his application:

"“He’s working very well, playing very well, he’s helping us. I’m very happy with him. I think the team has a good atmosphere, good spirit with each player helping us with their qualities and good behaviour. That’s the spirit I want, they are doing that, and Mesut is like the others [in that regard].”"

What is most significant about the recent Ozil resurgence is not his improved production or performance level. He now looks like he cares. When he was dumped on the floor by a Newcastle defender and was not given a freekick, he jumped up, chased back and pressured the ball. A few moments later, he then shimmied his way past another defender and played a nice pass to the left flank. He was motivated.

Motivation levels are easily questioned. Ozil often looks distant and disinterested. If the game does not come to him easily in the opening minutes, he can very quickly lose any semblance of desire. His confidence wanes, his will to win vanishes, and he once more shrinks into the shadows, not wanting to take responsibility for his mistakes and the team’s fate.

But on Monday, and in other recent matches, when he has made an error or a refereeing decision has not gone his way or the team needs some inspiration, Ozil has stepped up to the mark. This is a sign of his maturity, his changed character, not just his talent.

Ozil is not playing better than he has previously. But he is playing with more application, commitment, and effort. And that is a very positive change indeed.