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A THREAD! 
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👇" title="Rückhand Zeigefinger nach unten" aria-label="Emoji: Rückhand Zeigefinger nach unten"> Why does Mesut Özil have no place in Arsenal& #39;s team anymore?
If we take Mikel Arteta’s word that the decision to omit Mesut Özil from Arsenal’s Premier League squad was a purely footballing decision, then the simplest explanation is that Arteta sees no space in his team for a traditional number 10." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔴" title="Roter Kreis" aria-label="Emoji: Roter Kreis"> If we take Mikel Arteta’s word that the decision to omit Mesut Özil from Arsenal’s Premier League squad was a purely footballing decision, then the simplest explanation is that Arteta sees no space in his team for a traditional number 10." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
This explanation is insufficient, though, given Pep Guardiola – who has clearly had an influence on Arteta’s philosophy – managed to convert two number 10s in Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva into brilliant number 8s who played in a title-winning 4-3-3." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔴" title="Roter Kreis" aria-label="Emoji: Roter Kreis"> This explanation is insufficient, though, given Pep Guardiola – who has clearly had an influence on Arteta’s philosophy – managed to convert two number 10s in Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva into brilliant number 8s who played in a title-winning 4-3-3." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Rodríguez plays on the right side of attack in a 4-3-3. He looks to get on the ball and turn in-field onto his left foot to create from between the lines.
There is also the role that the hugely impressive James Rodríguez is now playing at Everton.Rodríguez plays on the right side of attack in a 4-3-3. He looks to get on the ball and turn in-field onto his left foot to create from between the lines." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔴" title="Roter Kreis" aria-label="Emoji: Roter Kreis"> There is also the role that the hugely impressive James Rodríguez is now playing at Everton.Rodríguez plays on the right side of attack in a 4-3-3. He looks to get on the ball and turn in-field onto his left foot to create from between the lines." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Clearly, there are ways to get a player who wants to play behind a striker into a functional team that has no traditional number 10 role. So Arteta’s reasons must stretch beyond the fact he wants to set his Arsenal team up without a place that would immediately suit Özil." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔴" title="Roter Kreis" aria-label="Emoji: Roter Kreis"> Clearly, there are ways to get a player who wants to play behind a striker into a functional team that has no traditional number 10 role. So Arteta’s reasons must stretch beyond the fact he wants to set his Arsenal team up without a place that would immediately suit Özil." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
It may be that Özil’s defensive work – a stick with which he has always been beaten – is a big part of the problem. Özil has never been particularly alert to defensive transitions and the need for quick recovery runs." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔴" title="Roter Kreis" aria-label="Emoji: Roter Kreis"> It may be that Özil’s defensive work – a stick with which he has always been beaten – is a big part of the problem. Özil has never been particularly alert to defensive transitions and the need for quick recovery runs." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Arsenal have also shown more of a commitment to counter-pressing since Arteta took over, and that kind of intensity or the awareness to press for a regain as soon as the ball has been lost does not suit Özil." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔴" title="Roter Kreis" aria-label="Emoji: Roter Kreis"> Arsenal have also shown more of a commitment to counter-pressing since Arteta took over, and that kind of intensity or the awareness to press for a regain as soon as the ball has been lost does not suit Özil." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Willian will do the job Arteta asks of him, dropping back into midfield in what becomes either a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1 when the team are out of possession, depending on whether they start with a back four or a back three.
That is why Arteta was so keen to bring in Willian.Willian will do the job Arteta asks of him, dropping back into midfield in what becomes either a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1 when the team are out of possession, depending on whether they start with a back four or a back three." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔴" title="Roter Kreis" aria-label="Emoji: Roter Kreis"> That is why Arteta was so keen to bring in Willian.Willian will do the job Arteta asks of him, dropping back into midfield in what becomes either a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1 when the team are out of possession, depending on whether they start with a back four or a back three." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Arsenal have also shown a consistent pattern of play where, after playing out from the back, they pass the ball onto the right flank, before switching the ball to the opposite wing. These long switches of play are not what Özil is particularly known for making." title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔴" title="Roter Kreis" aria-label="Emoji: Roter Kreis"> Arsenal have also shown a consistent pattern of play where, after playing out from the back, they pass the ball onto the right flank, before switching the ball to the opposite wing. These long switches of play are not what Özil is particularly known for making." class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
