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Mesut Ozil has been with Arsenal for five years now, but he is yet to get the respect he deserves from the football world. He's spent some of his best years in North London, but given the type of player he is, pundits and fans alike have a hard time complimenting him, for some reason.
It's easy to focus on the negatives - such as his reluctance to play in away games, his defensive ability, his work rate, and at times, his body language. But those things become redundant when you focus on what he does bring to the side, sheer talent.
He's been receiving a lot more praise than he is accustomed to lately, given his fine display against Leicester City. It was a vintage performance, and it got Arsenal fans excited. Here are five reasons why they are right to be hyped about their play-making superstar.
#1 You don't lose technical ability with age
When it comes to Ozil critics, one of the first things they will mention now is his age. He turned 30 last week, which to many is an age in which players will begin to deteriorate. But not Ozil.
Ozil is a special case in this regard. Conserving his energy by not running around like a headless chicken, as many critics have asked of him, will actually benefit him in the long run. His style has never relied on stamina, strong bones, or anything of that nature, so you best believe there are another few years left in the former World Cup winner.
Watching him play for Arsenal, he is very composed and natural on the ball. He doesn't like to rush things, having already thought of his route to goal in the back of his mind. He relies on football intelligence, which only improves with age.
Take David Silva as a prime example. He is a player who Ozil is often compared to, and rightly so. Silva is 32, but he's still going as he was in his mid-20s. Don't sleep on Ozil because of his age. There's plenty of life in the old boy.
#2 Unai Emery believes in him
Arsene Wenger, despite his undeniably successful tenure, became known for ruining careers towards the end of his spell. Players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson and Jack Wilshere all suffered this fate, but none of them lived to see Unai Emery. Well, Jenkinson has, but lets face it, does he really count?
Ozil has said many times that Wenger was a large reason for him joining Arsenal, so the fans can only thank him for that, but right now it's all about Emery.
Emery has shown belief in Ozil, while matching that with his stern desire to be respected. This is something Wenger was never able to achieve, and we can see just how much he has improved under Emery. His confidence is beginning to shine through, and Emery is rightfully receiving all the plaudits for his use of close man-management.
#3 He has a point to prove to Germany
Ozil went through an awful summer. He was reportedly on the receiving end of racial abuse from not only the German national team fans, but also the staff behind the scenes. He was having none of it and has since taken an early retirement from the country he won the World Cup with.
While Ozil is a man of peace, and he never looks to be out seeking vengeance, he will have this nagging thought at the back of his mind. Due to the way Germany dealt with the situation, Ozil will want to rub salt into the wounds with a stellar season.
Germany are suffering from a bad run of form, while Ozil is only improving since his departure from the national team. Long may it continue, if you're a fan of Arsenal!
#4 He owes it to the Arsenal fans
While many have been sucked into the mistake of bashing Ozil, from reading the reports criticising him, a large majority of the Arsenal faithful will stand by him no matter what, recognising him for his input week after week.
Ozil knows this, and he has a close relationship with the Arsenal fans because of it. There's a meaning behind his phrase 'ya Gunners ya'; and it's indicative of his feelings towards the fans who have won his heart during his five-year spell in the English capital.
He owes it to the fans who have his back, to put in a fine performance, and mark the return of the club they profess to love. Ozil is a man of respect, and although his body language may not suggest it at times, he lives and breathes football. That said, Arsenal fans can be sure he has their best interest at heart.
#5 Most importantly, he owes it to himself
Mesut Ozil is one of the world's most talented footballers. I don't think there's any denying that, no matter how much anybody tries to say otherwise. He may not have shown it at times throughout his career, but when it comes to raw ability, there isn't many better than Ozil.
This is why it's frustrating to see Ozil pinpointed as an easy target whenever Arsenal lose. Because more often than not, the attacker will give his all into ensuring Arsenal get the three points or the win they thoroughly are capable of.
Believe me, Ozil is probably his own harshest critic. He knows all there is to know about football, playing at the highest level of the beautiful game. He will have definitely analysed a fair share of his performances, and this season will be all about hitting the heights he is capable of on a consistent basis.
