Liverpool vs Arsenal: Perfect time for Ozil to prove his critics wrong

Mesut Ozil has endured much criticism from fans and pundits in recent seasons. Many said: “he’s not concerned about losing possession”, some said, “he often appears as someone who is being forced to play for the team.”

Another faction of Ozil’s critics claimed the 30-year-old midfielder often disappear while featuring against top clubs.

According to them, the former Real Madrid playmaker is not dependable when the Gunners are battling any top-four club as he always put up an anonymous display.

As much as all of his critics are somehow justified by the player’s body language on the field of play, Ozil remains an integral part of Unai Emery’s team, though, his future at the Emirates stadium is very shaky and uncertain.

This season has witnessed a world-class Mesut Ozil and also a lowly-rated Mesut Ozil. This is to say that the player has been inconsistent in his performances since the start of the campaign.

Unai Emery’s playing pattern seems too demanding for the retired Germany international and he looks like a player who is not willing to adapt to the new tactical philosophy.

Ozil was dropped from the Spaniard’s squad list in three consecutive matches which signify that he isn’t going to be a regular figure in the manager’s team should he fail to dance to Emery’s tune.

• From outcast to integral player: How Xhaka turned things around under Emery

Nonetheless, he returned back to the Gunners starting lineup — for the first time in four matches — against Burnley last weekend and he showed his class with a scintillating display that wowed the crowd.

He didn’t just entertain the Gunners fans, he equally silenced some of his critics who believe ”he is lazy and unwilling to make tackles ”

As a result of his wonderful showings against Burnley last weekend, Emery gave the German another chance to impress once more when he named him in his starting lineup against Brighton in one of boxing day’s fixtures.

Ozil, just like every other Arsenal player, wasn’t good enough during the opening half of the clash. Surprisingly, the playmaker was hauled off by Emery at the interval.

” Replacing Ozil with Alex Iwobi was a tactical decision and nothing more” that was Emery’s comment when asked the reason behind his move to replace the playmaker.

You wouldn’t want to blame him for his action to replace Ozil whenever you remember the Gunners will tackle Liverpool in three days time.

I guess the former PSG manager didn’t want to overstretch the ‘important’ playmaker ahead of the Merseyside showpiece knowing well that Ozil gets tired too easily.

TIME FOR OZIL TO PROVE HIS WORTH AGAINST A TOP TEAM

No more excuse for Ozil — he’s gotten enough rest, he has the backing of his manager and teammates— He needs to prove his class as one of the best midfielders in the world.

He needs to show to his critics that he possess all it takes to be a big-game player.

He must be in his best form at Anfield in order to help his team get one over their arch-rival on Saturday.

Even if he didn’t get into the score sheet, helping his teammates end Liverpool’s unbeaten run would give more joy to the Gunners fans who are expecting so much from him