The controversial last minute deadline day deal that saw Mesut Ozil complete a move from Spanish giants Real Madrid to Arsenal may have come as a shock to many, but why on earth did he swap the white of Madrid for the red and white of Arsenal?

Since his time at Arsenal, Ozil has described the club as “the exact opposite to Real Madrid.” Some may wonder what Ozil means here; both top clubs domestically, both competing in the UEFA Champions league and both filled with world-class players. Surely they can’t be that opposite, Mesut?

So how are they “the exact opposite?”

The problem however, lies deeper than on the pitch. Ozil himself said that he “had no doubt that he would stay at Real Madrid” when the 2012/2013 season came to end. These words were soon to be forgotten when an incident occurred which meant that Ozil lost the Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s trust.

Maybe Ozil didn’t feel valued enough at Madrid, which is why he decided to put pen to paper and seal a move over 1000 miles away to North London and Arsenal.

Making the right move

Now at Arsenal, Ozil is enjoying his football and is loving life at the Emirates working under manager Arsene Wenger.

Ozil says that “It is very important that a coach shows faith in me and believes in me” something that Wenger does which Ancelotti didn’t do.

Having made 10 appearances for Arsenal already this season, it is clear that Wenger has a lot of trust in the £42.4 million man.

Did Madrid make a mistake?

But just how good a player did the Spanish Giants lose when they let Ozil bag a move to European competitors Arsenal? Having already been compared to a Midfield Maestro such as Zinedine Zidane by Arsene Wenger is a great compliment to Ozil and one that certainly sparks a debate in whether the player is actually as good as his big money price tag.

Wenger believes that Ozil is more attacking than that of former Real Madrid star Zidane (although I’m sure Wenger wouldn’t have said no to him joining Arsenal some years ago).

At the prime age of 25, Ozil is a very influential player for Arsenal and was also extremely influential at Madrid. Getting 20 and 15 assists for Madrid and Germany respectively last season, it is fair to say that Ozil can dribble with the ball with “technical ease” (a characteristic that Wenger says both Ozil and Zidane possess) and create goals for both club and country.

I believe Madrid have lost a star player in Ozil and Arsenal have gained one in the blockbuster deal, arguably making Ozil the best player at the North London club. Already having created 5 goals and scoring 3 during his time at Arsenal it is a fair comment that Ozil has gained Wenger’s trust and settled in quickly to life in London (something that big players sometimes struggle with).

What next for Ozil?

At only 25 years old there is still plenty of room for Ozil to improve and nurture as a player at Arsenal under Wenger, something which could make him one of the all-time great attacking midfielders the game has ever seen, something I am very confident he will be.

I am extremely excited to watch the performances of Ozil over the coming seasons and hope that he can work his magic to end Arsenal’s nigh on 9 year trophy drought.

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