Mesut Özil's move to Arsenal hasn't been a smooth ride. He was unveiled as the star signing, but some of his performances were then heavily criticised. But Mesut Özil is now back on track, with Arsenal's hopes resting on his shoulders. Therefore, everyone involved with the Gunners is expecting Özil to put his mark on tonight’s Champions League last 16 clash against AS Monaco (20:45 CET).
The English media have singled out Özil as the key player in front of Arsenal top scorer Alexis Sanchez. They claimed Özil is “on fire." Indeed, the World Champion has recently been able to fulfill his role as the heartbeat of the team. Özil is optimistic too: “If we can continue our good run of form from the last few weeks then I’m confident that we can put ourselves in a good position for the second leg,” said the 26-year-old to SID.
Özil was Arsenal's record signing at €50 million
Özil’s value to the team is being compared to that of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, who helped the club win a number of titles between 1995 and 2006. Since the technically astute Dutch forward has left, the Gunners have only been able to clinch one more title, the 2014 FA Cup. What the team and the fans are really longing for is another Championship title though.
Wenger has been criticised for the lack of success. The fact that the Frenchman, who has been in charge of Arsenal for over 18 years, protected Özil during his dry spell sparked further anger among the public. However, the manager was well aware that Özil was struggling with the impacts of a knee injury that sidelined him until mid-January.
All this seems forgotten now. Since returning to the playing field, the World Champion has impressed with three goals and two assists. He has been in exceptional form since his return- that was what was said in the Daily Mail. Monaco are a team that like to keep eleven men behind the ball and experts conclude that Arsenal with be relying on Özil. He's the kind of player who can create opportunities when given little space.
Wenger: “Özil is almost back to his previous form”
The change of form can also be credited to the fact that the Gunners adapted their style of play according to Özil’s strengths. Players like Spain international Santi Cazorla relieve Özil from his defensive duties so that he’s free to focus on his strengths. Furthermore, Chile international Sanchez and France’s Olivier Giroud assist him going forward.
Mesut Özil's move to Arsenal hasn't been a smooth ride. He was unveiled as the star signing, but some of his performances were then heavily criticised. But Mesut Özil is now back on track, with Arsenal's hopes resting on his shoulders. Therefore, everyone involved with the Gunners is expecting Özil to put his mark on tonight’s Champions League last 16 clash against AS Monaco (20:45 CET).
The English media have singled out Özil as the key player in front of Arsenal top scorer Alexis Sanchez. They claimed Özil is “on fire." Indeed, the World Champion has recently been able to fulfill his role as the heartbeat of the team. Özil is optimistic too: “If we can continue our good run of form from the last few weeks then I’m confident that we can put ourselves in a good position for the second leg,” said the 26-year-old to SID.
Özil was Arsenal's record signing at €50 million
Özil’s value to the team is being compared to that of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, who helped the club win a number of titles between 1995 and 2006. Since the technically astute Dutch forward has left, the Gunners have only been able to clinch one more title, the 2014 FA Cup. What the team and the fans are really longing for is another Championship title though.
Wenger has been criticised for the lack of success. The fact that the Frenchman, who has been in charge of Arsenal for over 18 years, protected Özil during his dry spell sparked further anger among the public. However, the manager was well aware that Özil was struggling with the impacts of a knee injury that sidelined him until mid-January.
All this seems forgotten now. Since returning to the playing field, the World Champion has impressed with three goals and two assists. He has been in exceptional form since his return- that was what was said in the Daily Mail. Monaco are a team that like to keep eleven men behind the ball and experts conclude that Arsenal with be relying on Özil. He's the kind of player who can create opportunities when given little space.
Wenger: “Özil is almost back to his previous form”
The change of form can also be credited to the fact that the Gunners adapted their style of play according to Özil’s strengths. Players like Spain international Santi Cazorla relieve Özil from his defensive duties so that he’s free to focus on his strengths. Furthermore, Chile international Sanchez and France’s Olivier Giroud assist him going forward.
Özil has also significantly improved on his physical shape. “He worked really hard and he’s almost back to his previous form,” commented Wenger. Giroud added that Özil “can make a difference when he has enough confidence.” The German playmaker should have more than enough of that at the moment. “I’m excited for these two games. This competition really is something special,” he said.
