Mesut Ozil Can Still Be a Success at Arsenal If Used Properly

At the top level at least, football is well known for being slightly premature in jumping to particular conclusions. Whether it's a scathing opinion on either a whole team or a player, top players are rarely safe from criticism.

And ever since he became the man that bucked Arsenal's attitude towards big-money signings, Mesut Ozil has consistently been in the spotlight over his performances for the Gunners.

Granted, Ozil has displayed anything but the sparkling form he showed at Real Madrid and indeed at the international level with Germany. Some have already written Ozil's Arsenal career off and believe the best move for all would be a move away from the Emirates Stadium in January.

But in all eventuality, Ozil will remain an Arsenal player for at least the rest of this year. And when he does return from his knee ligament injury early next year, it is imperative that Arsenal do two things.

One is that he is not rushed back from this injury too quickly. Ozil is already under extreme pressure in certain quarters of the media, and as his return will no doubt be scrutinized even more when he returns, Arsene Wenger must ensure he is fully fit before coming back.

Secondly, Arsenal simply have to ensure he is played in the correct position. Much has been made of where Ozil's best role is on the football pitch, but if you look at the stats from this season, it is clear he is a No. 10.

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That may seem obvious to some, but it clearly isn't to Wenger, who has been mostly playing Ozil out wide. We all know his weaknesses, most notably the fact he is incredibly lightweight. Playing out wide increases the likelihood of physical contact from opponents, and naturally, Ozil is gravely suffering on the flanks.

And there is actually cold, hard evidence that justifies exactly where Ozil belongs in this Arsenal team. Take their best performance in recent months, for example: their 3-0 win away at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

That day, Ozil was deployed in the role just behind Danny Welbeck, and he enjoyed an incredible afternoon. One goal and one assist tells only half the story; he was simply sensational that day, and he really did show his worth to Arsenal.

Just that one performance proved how much Ozil can still be a success at Arsenal, if he is used correctly by Wenger. Welbeck, Arsenal's other big signing in recent times, will benefit from an out-and-out No. 10 playing behind him.

If Wenger correctly looks after his prized asset, there is simply no need to contemplate selling him. He's got the talent, that much we know. Arsenal just haven't been using him properly.

Stats via WhoScored unless otherwise noted.