The hardest season of his career. That’s how Özil himself describes his 2014/15 campaign and he’s correct; a three-month injury for a player that had never been out for such a long time is heartbreaking. After an intensive World Cup, Özil had an extended period to rest but his body was not fresh enough for the beginning of the Premier League and it was clear to see it during his first games, plus playing out on the left side with the necessity to support the defense didn’t help either. Özil played 650 of 690 possible minutes in the World Cup and started 9 games in a row for Arsenal after the tournament. It was inevitable that he would feel exhausted and the injury was a consequence.
However Özil showed professionalism and determination to come back quickly. The German did several extra sessions and changed his diet to return to the pitch and when he did he was amazingly good; for the first time with Arsenal he scored for three consecutive appearances. One of the most impressive signs was the consistency of his great performances, something fans complained a lot also in Spain. Although his goal/assists stats weren’t quite brilliant, what draws attention is how effortless he creates opportunities for teammates: 70 chances in 22 PL appearances is an incredible feat. He had the best chances created per game in the league (3.1) & had he played all 38 games of the season he would’ve reached, in theory, the mark of 118 chances creates (!). Many examples of key passes that didn’t turn into assists out there: Walcott vs Leicester, Sánchez vs Palace, Giroud vs Utd, etc. Only 5 league assists last season isn’t clearly his own fault.
It’s possible to name a list of games where Özil stood out. But I would like to highlight 5 games that I think he was completely outstanding:
5. Monaco (Away – CL): Without a doubt, the best Arsenal player in that game. In the second half, every dangerous chance Arsenal created Özil was involved in and he showed his class & vision with a perfect pass to find Monreal in the play which resulted in Ramsey’s goal. He was one of the few players who tried to make things happen and controlled the attacking-side of Arsenal.
4. Reading (Neutral – FA Cup): A splendorous performance from Özil. He provided two assists and created 9 chances vs. Reading in the semi-final of the FA Cup. Besides the numbers, his calmness and intelligence with the ball was essential to keep the ball safe when the game turned out to be a big test for the Gunners. His first assist for Alexis Sánchez’ goal was sensational, not only the weight and precision of the pass that were incredible but also how he spotted the gap that Alexis could run into and get the ball in front of the goal.
3. Aston Villa (Home – PL): In his first start in the Premier League in a four-month period, he was just amazing. He provided an exquisite back-heel assist for Olivier Giroud and also scored a goal with a fine finish. Özil showed great fitness as he completed five take-ons and completed 87% of his passes. He produced a high level of game, with brilliant touches, flicks and skills. He could’ve ended the game with another goal after he nutmegged an opponent but couldn’t have a shot on goal.
2. Aston Villa (Neutral – FA Cup): No goals and no assists. Like I say, stats are not the ONLY metrics to rate a player’s game. Özil controlled the tempo and rhythm in Arsenal’s attack and showed real quality, mostly with his usual drop shoulder and accurate passes. He also fought extremely hard, starting some plays & recovering the ball; for example when he got the ball from Delph and with a cheeky nutmeg on Cleverley he opened space. His passing was also on point and he didn’t leave the pitch with an assist only because Theo Walcott’s attempt of shot was blocked after an excellent through ball from Özil. The second FA Cup title in consecutive years was the icing on the cake to his great final and campaign overall.
1. Liverpool (Home – PL): World Class players are judged on the big stage. For Real Madrid, Özil was the most significant factor in El Clásicos beside Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the goals via assists from the playmaker – the most notable one at Camp Nou which was decisive and thanks to it they could win La Liga title. He provided the most assists in the Champions League knock-out games as well. He also scored some important goals when the Spanish side most needed; vs. Borussia Dortmund in the group phases; vs. Valladolid, Madrid were losing in the first half and he scored the equalizer. When the game was 2-2, he scored the winner in the final minutes. For Germany, he was the top assist-maker in the 2010 World Cup, 2012 Euro and also the German team’s topscorer and top assist-maker in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. Özil had to show the same instinct in England and vs. Liverpool he did it. Özil scored the free-kick goal and switched the play on Bellerín’s goal plus creating another further three opportunities. The huge factor in his free-kick was his attitude; he decided to take it. We all know Özil’s technique and ability, however talent doesn’t work without hunger and he seems to know this now. The goal boosted his confidence during the game and gave Liverpool no hopes in the clash.
Özil still played two games for his National Team to finish the season. In his final game, he managed a hat-trick of assists against Gibraltar in the 2016 Euro Qualifiers to take his tally to 11 assists in 36 appearances. Considering he got injured, the time it takes to readjust to the best condition and the amount of chances his teammates missed during the whole campaign, it’s not bad stats at all. In my point of view, stats are important for footballers, especially for Özil who has been on the top of assists charts in his career, but it must not be the only way to assess a player.
