If not Ozil, who is 'old enough' to be at Arsenal?

(Baonghean.vn) - The contract negotiation process between the Emirates team and the German player is at a standstill, as both sides have not found common ground. There is a clause that Ozil requested from Arsenal's leadership: to give him the number 10 shirt.

In response to that information, former player Ray Wilkins frankly stated: “Sorry, but Ozil is not that great a player. In fact, the two words 'great' seem to be overused about him, I have never seen him deserve it. He may be of quality but the problem is that his weekly form is too inconsistent and not world-class enough. So why can Ozil demand the number 10 shirt like that? What has he done to brazenly demand to take away the shirt of a teammate?”

Ray Wilkins' words are not objective and unfair to the German midfielder. Considering Ozil's class, contribution and playing position at the Emirates, he is completely entitled to wear the number 10 shirt. A star who once wore the prestigious number 10 shirt at the powerful Real Madrid team and currently owns the number 10 shirt for the German national team, can't wear the number 10 shirt at Arsenal? Remember, the "Gunners" are nothing when placed next to Los Blancos.

During his time at Real Madrid, Ozil wore the number 10 shirt. Photo: Internet

Ozil's move to Arsenal is not the way of a star who has passed his prime. To have him, the London team had to spend 42.5 million pounds - currently one of Arsenal's most expensive contracts. How many players are on par with Ozil at the Emirates Stadium? No one, except Sanchez. The Chilean star was allowed to choose the number 7 shirt, Lacazette was allowed to wear the number 9 shirt... why shouldn't Ozil have the right to demand the number 10 shirt?

Another proof that Ozil deserves to wear the number 10 shirt of Arsenal. In 4 years playing in the "foggy country", the 29-year-old player is considered by experts to be one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League. Few stars can do as well as Ozil, with 407 chances created for teammates in front of the opponent's goal and 42 of them were converted into goals (assists). Not a 'great' player, can Ozil do the same?

Besides, Arsenal's number 10 shirt is not that formidable. After Dennis Bergkamp, ​​its owners are only William Gallas, Van Persie and now Jack Wilshere. For clubs like Barcelona, ​​Juventus, Man Utd... not every player can wear the number 10 shirt, they set out clear criteria, such as the team's number 1 star or the player playing in the attacking midfielder or striker position. But Arsenal is not like that.

Center back William Gallas once wore the number 10 shirt at Arsenal. Photo: Internet

Just look at the case of William Gallas in the period 2006 - 2010. The French defender was chosen by coach Wenger to inherit the number 10 shirt left by the legendary Dennis Bergkamp, ​​despite the opposition of the fans. William Gallas would rather be a midfielder or a striker, but he was a central defender, having just transferred from the rival team Chelsea. Since then, the number 10 shirt at Emirates Stadium has lost its prestige.

Currently, the owner of the number 10 shirt is Jack Wilshere. This is a player who cannot reach the level of a star because of consecutive injuries. Not only is he often on the bench, but last season he was also loaned by Arsenal to Bournemouth. Most likely, when the winter transfer market opens (January 2018), Jack Wilshere will pack up and leave Emirates Stadium.

Does Ozil not deserve to wear Jack Wilshere's number 10 shirt?

Of course, Ozil's stay or go cannot be decided by the number 10 shirt. Arsenal's chances of winning the title and the new salary are the fundamental factors leading to the German midfielder's final decision. Fulfilling Ozil's wish for the number 10 shirt is also an action that Arsenal should do for their star. If Ozil is 'not old enough', then who is old enough, Ray Wilkins?

Thanh Hung