Ozil the “Enigma”

The Webster dictionary defines enigma as “a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.”
The Yankee Gooner dictionary defines Mesut Ozil as an “enigma.”

What is with this player who has produced so much magic on the pitch during his career, but has also been so misunderstood?
Ozil, who just turned 31 two days ago and was a World Cup winner in 2014, has recently seen his football world come crashing down. He left the German national team after the 2018 World Cup alleging discrimination and disrespect by the German Football Association and the German media. And, this season he has spent more time on the bench or at home during Arsenal games then he has on the pitch.

Mesut my man…you have so much talent and so many football accomplishments to your credit. Why do you remain such an “enigma?”

Ozil has made 167 appearances for Arsenal since he came on board in 2013. He has 32 assists and 15 goals to his credit. His arrival was heralded as one of the top signings in Arsenal history. We welcomed this sleek, stylish footballer who knew how to play the beautiful game, the Arsenal way.

Mesut played a lot under Arsene Wenger’s leadership, but when Unai Emery came on board as the manager…things began to change.

Since the start of the 2018-2019 campaign Ozil has made 25 appearances for the club, but only one this season. He has even been left off the matchday squad numerous times. While Emery has claimed it’s not a personal thing or a bad connection between him and the German, he has publicly stated that other players just deserved to de selected more then Ozil.

In a recent interview published in The Athletic, Ozil was candid about his recent time at Arsenal. He said he has been frustrated by his lack of playing time this season. He claimed he wants to stay with the club through the end of his contract in the summer of 2021. And, he stated a determination to work even harder in training to prove his playing worth and his $428,000 per week salary.

You know, I think I believe him.

Why? Well, two things come to mind. First, he is a world class player who doesn’t want to fade into the never, never land of once great players who crashed and burned. Second, he has been chosen as an Arsenal vice captain by his teammates this campaign. To me, that speaks volumes about his character, his love for the shirt, and his desire to stand once again among the best in the game.

Imagine if you will a rejuvenated Mesut Ozil on the pitch with the likes of Aubameyang, Lacazette and Pepe. This might be the medicine we need, and this might be the spark the team needs to get their engine running again on all cylinders.

Who knows, maybe this will happen, or maybe Mesut Ozil will continue to be just an “enigma.”

If you have any comments please click on the date at the top of the post, or write me at yankeegooner1953@yahoo.com.

Cheers. Gunner 1953