Arsenal: 3 players Mikel Arteta needs to step up

1. Mesut Ozil

Mikel Arteta’s slanted 4-2-3-1 formation is built around several key roles. There is the offensive-minded left-back doubling up with the inside-cutting left-winger. There is the right-sided central midfielder who dictates play from deep with metronomic, progressive passing. And then there is the free-floating role of the number 10, who starts slightly to the right but then is handed the keys to drift throughout the pitch.

This latter role has been Mesut Ozil’s, and Arteta has crafted it for the benefit of the German. The added license is ideal for Ozil, who likes to float between pockets of space, in between the opposition lines. He can then receive the ball on the half-turn from deep, before looking to slide through passes into teammates in more advanced positions.

Ozil has played this role in a neat and tidy manner. He has conducted play nicely, moved the ball quickly, and helped progress attacks. But that elite creative quality that he used to provide in the final third is now ostensibly missing. Since Arteta took over, he has just one goal and one assist. That is not enough for a prime attacking midfielder.

Ozil has played comfortably, neatly, positively, but in a limited fashion. If this Arsenal team are to take the next step under Arteta during the remainder of this season, Ozil will need to provide more.