There was a time when Mesut Ozil was seen as our world-class superstar, however, I believe that most of us stopped thinking that a couple of years back and in all honesty, it has been hard to argue that we possessed that one player that can be considered a genuine world-class player. Well, not no more.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the real deal and not just because he finished the season being crowned Golden Boot winner, though that is definitely part of the reason.
Auba has done it consistently across two of Europe’s biggest leagues and there are not that many strikers that have bettered his record over the last four seasons.
For four seasons solid he has hit more than 20 league goals each campaign.
2015/16 – 25 goals (Bundesliga)
2016/17 – 31 goals (Bundesliga)
2017/18 – 23 goals (Bundesliga/Premier League)
2018/19 – 22 goals (Premier League)
And if you include Europe and cup competitions his record is bloody good
2015/16 – 39 goals
2016/17 – 40 goals
2017/18 – 31 goals
2018/19 – 31 goals
Now, when you add in the fact that he was not playing for the very best teams and yes, I accept that Borussia Dortmund is a top Bundesliga side and did finish runners up in 2015–16 but they are no Bayern Munich and we have to agree that Arsenal is no Manchester City.
Can you imagine the sort of numbers he would have put up if he had the service that the likes of Robert Lewandowski or Sergio Aguero get?
In terms of personal awards he won the African Footballer of the Year in 2015, was the Bundesliga player of the year in 2015–16, Bundesliga Top Goalscorer in 2016–17 and now the Premier League Golden Boot winner 2018–19.
His record is pure consistency at the highest level and as far as I am concerned he is a genuine world class player and the debate about his status is now totally dead.