Why this Returning Arsenal Star Must Be Made to Work For His Place! by AT
According to the latest Arsenal team news, it seems as though the Gunners’ record signing Mesut Ozil will be back in the first-team picture following the trip to Anfield this weekend. The German international had damaged knee ligaments prior to the international break in October and seems likely to make a return earlier than expected.
But will he walk directly into Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven once he’s fully fit? In all honesty, I am one of those who think that the former Real Madrid man’s £42 million price tag has a lot to do with him starting almost every match when he’s available. In addition, the player seems to be aware of the fact that the Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger will be very reluctant to drop him even after a very lacklustre performance.
While I will not claim that he takes advantage of his more or less assured place in Arsenal’s starting eleven, I think it is safe enough to say that perhaps Wenger can get the best out of him by letting him know that there is no slot nailed down for him in the Arsenal side. There is a reason why Santi Cazorla has hit immense form once Ozil was sidelined, the Spanish international is fighting for his place and making his point to the manager.
Besides, Arsenal don’t have any shortage of options at the playmaker position. Even with Jack Wilshere injured, we still have Santi Cazorla who is in great form and there is also Tomas Rosicky, who has done the job for Arsene Wenger so efficiently over the years. While the veteran midfielder may have been overlooked so far this season due to the abundance of creative talent, you would know that Tomas would grab an opportunity with both hands.
Anyway, my point is, no player deserves a first-team spot nailed down for him. If Ozil doesn’t perform, Wenger should be brave enough to drop him and look at his other options in that area of the pitch. Personally, I feel that the club can get the best out of Mesut Ozil by making him work for his spot, irrespective of which club he came from or how much money he cost.
Anurag