Mesut Ozil Backed by Ex-Arsenal Stars Against ‘Lazy’ Claims

Mesut Ozil continues to receive support from former Arsenal teammates, as Nacho Monreal joins Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in dismissing criticism of the German playmaker’s work ethic. Ozil, who arrived at Arsenal in 2013 for a club-record £42.5 million from Real Madrid, was expected to usher in a transformative era for the Gunners. Despite his technical brilliance and record of 77 assists and 44 goals in 254 appearances, Ozil’s time in North London was often marked by accusations of laziness and inconsistency.

Mesut Ozil’s Legacy at Arsenal Explored

Ozil’s Arsenal journey was characterized by moments of magic, but also by polarizing debates about his commitment on the pitch. Widely considered one of the Premier League’s most gifted playmakers, Ozil’s style—often described as languid—led to frequent misunderstandings about his dedication. His former teammate, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, recently reignited the conversation during an appearance on Ben Foster’s Fozcast podcast. Oxlade-Chamberlain decisively refuted the “lazy” label, revealing that Ozil regularly covered over 11 kilometers per match and played a vital role both in and out of possession.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Defends Mesut Ozil’s Contribution

During the podcast, Oxlade-Chamberlain shared insights from his four-year stint alongside Ozil at Arsenal. He lauded the German international’s footballing intelligence, technical prowess, and ability to elevate those around him. “Mesut was fun to play with and there was definitely an element with Mesut that was like, mad respect for him,” Oxlade-Chamberlain commented. He further emphasized that statistics regarding Ozil’s work rate were often overlooked, with critics focusing only on body language rather than tangible effort.

Nacho Monreal Joins Support for Mesut Ozil

Adding to the defense, Nacho Monreal, in an interview with GOAL, echoed Oxlade-Chamberlain’s sentiments and called Ozil his “favourite player” during his Arsenal years. Monreal insisted that Ozil always gave his all for the team, contributing both goals and assists. “People expected a bit more from him, but in my opinion, every time he played for Arsenal, he played well. He scored a lot of goals, made very many assists, he always tried to help the team,” Monreal stated. He further questioned why Ozil was consistently labeled as lazy, sharing his own positive memories of their time together at the Emirates.

Ozil’s Later Years and Departure from Arsenal

Despite his early successes, including three FA Cup victories under Arsene Wenger, Ozil’s relationship with Arsenal soured under the management of Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta. Left out of the Premier League squad for the 2020-21 season, Ozil expressed disappointment at his treatment after signing a new contract in 2018. His contract was eventually terminated in January 2021, allowing him to move to Fenerbahce, where he would play 37 times before a brief stint at Istanbul Basaksehir. Persistent injuries led Ozil to retire from professional football after the 2022-23 season.

Ozil’s Influence and the Ongoing Debate

The continued support from Oxlade-Chamberlain and Monreal highlights Ozil’s enduring influence in the football community. Both ex-teammates point out that statistics and firsthand experience contradict the narrative of laziness. Instead, they remember a consummate professional who helped shape Arsenal’s playing style and inspired those around him. Their testimonies challenge the simplistic judgments that often follow elite athletes with unique playing styles.

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Opinion: Reassessing Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal Tenure

Looking back, it’s clear that Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal legacy deserves greater nuance. While his perceived lack of intensity was criticized, those closest to him consistently cite his work ethic and technical gifts. Arsenal fans and pundits alike should reconsider his true impact, appreciating the balance he brought to the team during a transformative period.