Arsenal Vs Chelsea: What have you got, Mesut Ozil?

Arsenal play Chelsea in the Europa League final on Wednesday night. It seems like the right time to ask the question: What have you got, Mesut Ozil?

Mesut Ozil is one of the most talented footballers in the world. He is capable of moments that very few players can replicate. The creativity of his play, the all-seeing vision, the quality and skill of his passing and distribution. There is a reason his assist and chance-creation numbers are through the roof.

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When Ozil plays well, everyone around him comes to life. It was true at Real Madrid, for Germany, and also at Arsenal. And so, when the team plays their biggest game of the season and arguably of the past half-decade, it would be nice if he turned up to play.

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Even Ozil’s biggest detractors would not doubt his ability. Even his biggest detractors do not question that, when is in the mood, he can singlehandedly win matches and inspire terrific team performances, as has been proven time and again, even this season in what could be considered a down year for the World Cup winner. Criticisms of his game stem from his personality, his willingness to apply himself, and his consistency, not whether his ability in a single game.

It would not, therefore, surprise me to see the very best version of Ozil on Wednesday night. Although he does not always relish the big occasion, especially against top-six sides in the Premier League, when he is on, he really is on, and the whole team flourishes as a result of his game-progressing and creative play.

Arsenal are also paying Ozil to deliver in these matches. While no player’s ability should be exclusively judged by what they are paid, their production must be measured by what is expected as a result of the resources invested in their services. If you paid top dollar for a decorator, you would expect a top job. The same should go for building a squad.

The Gunners have entrusted Ozil with responsibility to deliver trophies. That is why he is paid what he is. Whether they were right to invest such capital in the midfielder is another debate. They did. And it is now up to Ozil to meet the hefty expectations that come with being the highest-paid player in the squad by some distance.

So if Ozil is to deliver on his wage, this is the type of game in which he needs to play his best. This is the game in which he must lead his team, taking the match by the scruff of its neck and thrusting under his majestic control.

So, it is fair to ask: What have you got, Mesut Ozil? Because Arsenal need you.