Ah come on now.
Mesut Ozil is renowned as one of the most exceptionally talented and technically gifted footballers in world football. When it comes to mastery of the ball, be it in terms of control, manipulation, weight of pass, or accuracy of delivery, it is widely acknowledged that the Arsenal man is unsurpassed.
Of course he has his critics, with some questioning his general workrate and/or physicality, but a lot of that tends to focus on non-specific indicators, such as body language and his perceived demeanour. Certainly the stats don’t seem to back up the perception that the player doesn’t put in a shift.
Özil v Alexis PL 2017-18
% time walking 5% v 7%
% time jogging 59% v 67%
% time running 33% v 24%
% time sprinting 3% v 2%#downedtools— Orbinho (@Orbinho) October 5, 2017
Jose Mourinho makes no secret of the fact he is a huge fan. Having managed the playmaker at Real Madrid, the Manchester United manager experienced his talents first-hand, and also appreciated the fact that the German was extremely adept at actioning his complex tactical instructions.
With the Arsenal man approaching the end of his current deal at the Emirates – with no sign or inclination to sign an extension – rumours have been growing that he’d very much like to be reunited with Mourinho at Old Trafford – and that the Portuguese would love to add the player to his array of stars.
You’d expect that United fans would be delighted at the prospect of nabbing one of their rivals’ star performers at the peak of his career for zero money. But surprisingly, you’d be wrong. It seems that the Old Trafford faithful don’t want Ozil, especially if it affects the playing time of the likes of Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Seeing as many of the same supporters poo-poo’d the idea of Nemanja Matic joining last summer, and have been emphatically proved wrong by the midfielder’s performances in the United engine room, one would hope they’d learn to trust Mourinho’s judgement. But alas, they clearly feel they’re too good for poor Mesut…
I don't want Ozil. He doesn't get enough goals and we create enough chances already.
— Victor Odeyemi (@Victors_POV) October 4, 2017
Ozil is finished, get Griezmann or keep playing Mata
— – (@CentraIPogba) October 3, 2017
Ozil is so overrated it actually frightens me, plus he's a lazy bastard! I would be gutted if we got him
— mike hylton (MUFC) (@MikeHylton7) October 4, 2017
To be honest even on a free I don't think I want Ozil at United
— Subie (@Subielikethat) October 3, 2017
dont want ozil at united even if it is a free transfer
— Dale (@DALEHILL123) October 3, 2017
Ozil is a lazy, spineless and gutless footballer.. i don't need to be his mate to tell you that, all i need is a working pair of eyes
— Mancunian (@MANCvinny) October 7, 2017
Fucks sake, Ozil wants to join Manchester United?!
Man goes missing at least 20 games a season. It's a no from me. Not good enough
— Steve (@Mirrors90) September 24, 2017
Ozil on a free? No thanks
— DJ TRIX (@TrixDnB) October 7, 2017
Ozil? No thanks, please keep him Wenger. We are doing just fine ???
— crazyhorse (@manchesterinred) October 3, 2017
Ozil can fuck off.
— ✨Sweta ♛ (@Utd_Sweta) October 4, 2017