Criticism Towards Mesut Ozil Is Unjust and Needs to Stop

Mesut Ozil has been a scapegoat for Arsenal since last winter. The bashing began around the holidays, when Ozil was clearly fatigued, and it continued during the Gunners' 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Saturday.  These attacks are completely unwarranted and need to stop. 

BBC commentator Danny Mills was criticizing Ozil all match long on Saturday. There were even some groans from the crowd whenever the German was dispossessed, missed a quality chance or didn't run after a loose ball.

"

Commentator(Danny Mills) after every 5 Mins today Ozil playing poorly Ozil not good enough #Sam_fp

— Football Planet (@iFootballPlanet) September 13, 2014"

However, it's well known that Ozil has low stamina.  The playmaker has been substituted 92 times in 181 career matches and has come off the bench 54 times, per Soccerway. This translates to just 35 appearances when the German has lasted a full game.

It's expected that Ozil will fade during matches, but this is not a problem because his vision and playmaking abilities are so valuable that it's worth having him on the pitch for part of the game.

Ozil is also playing out of position to accommodate the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey. The latter two were exposed in holding roles last season in key matches, such as the one against Manchester City.

That's forced manager Arsene Wenger to move both Ramsey and Wilshere in behind the striker. In turn, that's shifted Ozil out of his usual No. 10 role and onto the left wing.

StatsBomb/Opta

That hasn't stopped Ozil from playing centrally at times. The German international continually drifted inside from the flanks. Sanchez, Ramsey, Wilshere and Danny Welbeck would often join him as well.

Ozil doesn't have a goal or an assist through three Premier League appearances this season, but that's probably due to his new role on the flank.

It also doesn't help when practically every attacker is congested in the center of the pitch. With Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also in reserve, there are several options for Wenger in those positions.

The 64-year-old tactician has understandably tinkered with his system in order to fit Sanchez into the formation, but it's come at the expense of Ozil, who is arguably the club's best playmaker. 

Matt Dunham/Associated Press/Associated Press

Wenger has recently switched to a 4-1-4-1 formation, and the only role left for Ozil is out wide, due to the poor performances by Ramsey and Wilshere in big matches.

To make matters worse, Wenger is under pressure to select Ozil, or he risks severe backlash from the media. That's what happens when expensive, talented players are on the bench.

The season is still young, and it's possible that Ozil could adapt to his new role on the left flank. However, he most likely won't track back and help the defense.

Ozil is an easy target in that respect because he plays beside Sanchez, who's a tireless worker, but that's not a characteristic that the German possesses.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Wenger is still figuring out which system suits his team's best attributes. He may still make some changes in the near future once he gets a handle on his current squad. 

Until then, the next time the critics decide to comment on Ozil's so-called poor performances, they have to take his new position and his fitness into consideration. The World Cup winner's Real Madrid stint showed that he's a world-class player. 

All top players receive occasional criticism, but within reason. The condemnation Ozil is receiving is irrational. He's a No. 10 that creates scoring chances, not a tireless, multi-purpose player like Sanchez. 

That's why these attacks must stop. Until Wenger places Ozil in his proper role, the manager will never get the best out of one of his best players