Ozil’s International Retirement Could Be A Blessing For The Gunners

Mesut Ozil has recently declared himself unavailable for selection for the German national team after claims Germany’s football association (DFB) were disrespectful and racist towards him and his heritage. While this has to be seen as a blow to Germany, especially after a disappointing World Cup campaign, it could be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners as they enter a new era under Unai Emery.

Ozil, 29, has been a regular in the German national team for many years now and with him declaring himself unavailable for selection; it means he will no longer be at risk of injuries while on international duty and he’ll also be able to get some rest in during the international breaks too. This could come in very handy if Arsenal are to play a high intensity game under new boss Unai Emery. Any player approaching their 30th birthday is likely to be more susceptible to injury, so not having to play international games could reduce the risk.

Ozil could also use his form this season to send a message to the those he feels have disrespected him, with some even calling into question his contributions to the German national team even though he has scored 23 goals and made a whopping 40 assists in 92 caps. Ozil helped Germany to World Cup success and he could now help Arsenal in their resurgence under Unai Emery to show that he’s still an elite level footballer and that Germany will miss his presence.

The key to Arsenal being successful this season will probably be through the goals Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores and Mesut Ozil will have a big say on this. He’s well known for being the assist king after racking up a total of 211 in 542 games and this could be the key to Arsenal announcing themselves as top four side in the Premier League once again. If Emery needs a player to rely on to supply the ammo in his somewhat new look side, it’s Ozil, and we could see the German take his game to a whole new level for the Gunners.

Ozil’s presence at Arsenal will also be hugely beneficial for new signings Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. The pair, aged 22 and 19 respectively, joined the club this summer as Unai Emery looked to rebuild the squad. They could do a lot worse than learn from a player such as Ozil who has literally been there and done it. He’s won everything there is to win in football and will be a great mentor for the younger midfielders at the club.

There is no doubt that The Gunners have spent some cash this summer and reading what the pundits are saying,  this maybe the year the North London Club start to come good. It should certainly be a time of optimism for Arsenal fans ahead of the new campaign, with all the noise coming out of the club suggesting that the players are really buying into Unai Emery’s methods.

If Emery can get Ozil firing it could see the Gunner rejuvenated and back in with a shout of securing Champions League football.