Mesut Ozil needs to win the Premier League with Arsenal before he’s considered to be on the same level as Gunners legend Dennis Bergkamp, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.
The German international has been grabbing the headlines this season, recording 16 Premier League assists so far, and is well on his way to breaking the record of 20 assists in a single season, currently held by another former Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry.
Ozil arrived at Arsenal as a world-class playmaker, known for his ability to create chances for teammates, however initially he failed to hit the ground running. Despite this, he’s assisted more goals so far this season than his first two at the Emirates combined, and many have begun to finally feels as if they’re seeing the Ozil expected following his arrival from Real Madrid. Despite an incredible number of assists, Carragher believes they will count for nothing if Arsenal fail to win a trophy this season.
His numbers are remarkable but, at this moment, they mean nothing. He is on target to become a record breaker but, if there is no silverware, what will it mean?
It has led some people to say that Ozil is now at the level of Dennis Bergkamp. Others have suggested he is surpassing Bergkamp because, even at his best, the Dutchman never produced that many assists over the course of one season.
Carragher doesn’t believe comparing Ozil and Bergkamp statistically is beneficial, primarily due to what else the Dutchman brought to the side, rather than just assists. Bergkamp is remembered for numerous moments throughout his Arsenal career, such as famous goals against Leicester City and Newcastle United, or the three Premier Leagues and four FA Cups he helped Arsenal win, not forgetting the individual awards he won during his 11 years at the club.
As it stands, though, it is nonsense to use statistics to try to compare Ozil and Bergkamp. The reason is this: Bergkamp is immortalised in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium because, aside from all the medals he won, he helped bring fantasy football to north London. His style had substance.
Following criticism in recent seasons, Ozil looks to be settled and enjoying his football in north London, becoming an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s team. Last season it was Alexis Sanchez, but this campaign Ozil has been the standout player for the Gunners, and he is arguably the main reason why Arsenal sit top of the Premier League. Carragher believes if Ozil can maintain and even improve on his current form in the second half of the season, then the Gunners could well be in with an excellent chance at a number of trophies.
If Ozil continues to sparkle when it matters in the next 19 fixtures — there is a feeling in Germany that he doesn’t always produce in big matches — and inspires Wenger’s squad to their first Premier League title since 2004, it would make him a legend in the eyes of Arsenal fans.
Until then, the Bergkamp comparisons must wait. Ozil must take Arsenal to the title if he wants to get there.
