The Ozil Money Pit: Page 6 - The Arsenal discussion forum and community: One More in the Tolly

The Ozil Money Pit

Burnwinter

Özil is a superb player at his best and I'd be a little suspicious of Emery if he didn't at least want to work with him.

I think the idea of him being sold probably goes out the window for that reason.

Be interested to see if the always-rumoured exodus of players who were only at the club because of Wenger takes place.

goon

I don’t get the desire to rid the club of its second best player last season personally. Ozil, along with Auba and Aaron are the only ones at the club who are keeping us connected to the top level of the game. The idea that we just sell him and Aaron and find someone as good or better is fantasy land unless we get extremely lucky.

Qwiss

Yeah pretty much. He isn't the strongest willed player in the world and he's very frustrating to watch when he isn't bothered but he has enough quality to justify his place in the team, if not his crazy wages

Mirth

If we take a step back, some combination of Aubameyang, Lacazette, Ozil, Mkhitarian and Ramsey should be more than good enough to get back into the top 4. We need to keep hold of all of them and find a system that gets them all to play together.

I would actually be fine with spending our transfer budget entirely on defenders and defensive midfield.

Burnwinter

I think encouraging Maitland-Niles, and selling Xhaka to buy a steadier replacement is a bit of business that feels sensible. Don't know how others feel about that but I just can't see Xhaka consistently providing steadiness or incisiveness.

If the Sokratis and Soyuncu deals are done, I think that's what we'll see for CBs. Then it's down to finding a great keeper.

Qwiss

I'd say Xhaka was our steadiest midfield this year. I think there is a really good player in him and I don't think he gets enough credit for the good aspects of his game. The question is can Emery iron out some of his sloppy passing under pressure.

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

I agree. Used to hate Xhaka but he turned it around in quite a big way. When he's confident, he's deadly when passing quickly and accurately through the lines. It really gives us another dimension.

And if Emery can set us up to counter attack properly for once, he'll be even more useful.

I also think Granit has massive leadership potential.

JazzG

Xhaka also finished the previous season pretty strong when we switched to three at the back. Went back to shit come August though. I don't know if him finishing both season strongly is down to tactics or just coincidence.

jones

Qwiss! wrote:
I'd say Xhaka was our steadiest midfield this year. I think there is a really good player in him and I don't think he gets enough credit for the good aspects of his game. The question is can Emery iron out some of his sloppy passing under pressure.

Agree. Selling him now when it's very likely he's just about to a) hit his physical prime and b) play for a tactically switched on manager for the first time in years would be a massive waste

Klaus

I think Xhaka is one of the biggest reasons we finished 6th, and he was one of the biggest reasons we finished 5th the year before. I can't lie, I'm gonna be absolutely livid if he gets another season as a starter. I just want him gone. He gets way too much credit for doing the absolute bare minimum towards the end and not being an outright liability in every game.

goon

Does Emery have a history of showing players a lot of patience? I get the feeling he's got a very pragmatic attitude when it comes to working with what he's got which will be good for the likes of Xhaka, Elneny and perhaps Mustafi. Mind you, I guess Mislintat may have a say on this aspect too.

I wouldn't really bat an eyelid if we sold Xhaka, it would probably be a bit of a releif. I will say one thing for him though, which is that I think his pressing game is very underrated. If we're going to play a high press, then I reckon he might be quite useful.

speedy

Even with unlimited money it takes times to change a squad. You can see Jose needs players but it takes time to get the right ones in.

I can't see him being able to make that many changes in a short period of time. The squad will probably be more or less the same with ospina out, new GK in. New CB to replace Kos. Another addition and couple youth players.

If Ramsey leaves we'll have to get a CM in. Even that alone to break even if a lot of work for one window. And at least we've a few guys working on it and not just Wenger.

Captain

I acknowledge that Xhaka was decent this year. Absolutely want him gone though.

flobaba

Klaus wrote:
I think Xhaka is one of the biggest reasons we finished 6th, and he was one of the biggest reasons we finished 5th the year before. I can't lie, I'm gonna be absolutely livid if he gets another season as a starter. I just want him gone. He gets way too much credit for doing the absolute bare minimum towards the end and not being an outright liability in every game.

Indeed he is decent for a Europa league team.

I want real quality in that position - would improve our overall game exponentially

lorddulaarsenal

Xhaka is pony

lorddulaarsenal

And not a player I could ever trust

Gazza M

Klaus wrote:
I think Xhaka is one of the biggest reasons we finished 6th, and he was one of the biggest reasons we finished 5th the year before. I can't lie, I'm gonna be absolutely livid if he gets another season as a starter. I just want him gone. He gets way too much credit for doing the absolute bare minimum towards the end and not being an outright liability in every game.

Yep. Saying he was good last season is faint praise. He is the first midfielder i'd put up for sale

Mirth

Yes, Xhaka isn't even on the level Arteta was - never mind the players that won titles with us.

Kel Varnsen

Xhaka is shit. Can't stand him. He just sits back in central midfield, and doesn't really move off the ball and provide the rest of the team with good passing options. That might be ok, if he could actually defend and balance the midfield, but he can't. He is so slow that he is unable to close down, cover space and mark players. Everything he does is in slow motion.

Anzac

I don't think Xhaka has the defensive ability/anticipation/positioning nor the pace to be part of Emery's preferred midfield shape or roles, particularly as a midfield 2.

By contrast I think Ozil had the highest numbers for distance and sprints in several games during the season so he may be able to adapt, but
I'm not sure that he's suited to the CAM role Emery uses.

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