Ozil

That's not the point though.

Question is that when a footballer has a perceived value based on what he's done before, his transfer fee and his wages, then you take all of that into account. It's called context.

I understand the point the OP's making as well, and there's a degree of validity to it too, but it's only natural to judge players against what you know (or at least think) they are capable of if they perform to the maximum of their ability.

-------

I agree but you've said it yourself, the most important factor here is his ability, not his price tag. The fact that there is a correlation between ability and price tag is besides the point. That's for club to worry about.

For me I have always judged Ozil in terms of his ability, not some subjective vision of what I think a 42.5 million pound player SHOULD play like.

I think he has been very good for Arsenal. When he first came his quality was so clear to see in a midfield that was lacking star quality. He came off a bit in the middle of the season when he was struggling physically with the league, then he got injured, and he never really got going when came back. Yet he still contributed to our excellent run at the end of last season which got us fourth, and I think he had decent cup final.

He started the season with a more than valid world cup hangover, and now it is clear he was carrying a knee problem for the majority of games he played. He still had some decent contributions when he played centrally. The worst performances he had were playing wide against decent opposition whilst carrying a knee injury. Sort of acceptable if you ask me.

The criticism that has been aimed at him has been ludicrous.

Plus I just wish our fans would shut up about money now. Yes it was sort of a way of saving face during our period of austerity and Chelsea and City's rise to financial power. "We can't compete with your money, but we're doing well with what we have" "You bought the title" nonsense. Now it just seems silly, Chelsea, United and City fans don't give a crap how much someone cost as long as they improve the team. Ozil improves our team, move on.

Correct, (perceived) ability is more important, but it doesn't mean price tag doesn't matter at all. When a player's cost an enormous sum and doesn't deliver to the level expected, you can't help but think what you might've done with those funds.

Just to be clear, I like Ozil -albeit with caveats-, but I just don't think it's reasonable to expect the fans to disregard the context. Whether he's done well enough or not is debatable, and largely hinges on the importance you award to each of the contextual factors involved, but imo you can't just pretend they don't exist.

Plus I just wish our fans would shut up about money now. Yes it was sort of a way of saving face during our period of austerity and Chelsea and City's rise to financial power. "We can't compete with your money, but we're doing well with what we have" "You bought the title" nonsense. Now it just seems silly, Chelsea, United and City fans don't give a crap how much someone cost as long as they improve the team. Ozil improves our team, move on.
-----------
Ridiculous statement.

As a self-sustainable club the fans have every right to worry about the funds we spend. Personally I think 42m for Ozil was a gamble well worth taking - as long as it didn't effect our ability to strengthen other more crucial areas.

Truth is that he certainly hasn't been up to his usual standard during his overall time here and fair enough, it's a new very different league and he's feeding Giroud rather than Ronaldo now .

He had a good start and some excellent moments coupled with lots of inconsistency - don't try to pretend he's been better than he really has.

On the plus side he's been looking really good lately and long may that continue.

"Ridiculous statement."


"Truth is that he certainly hasn't been up to his usual standard during his overall time here and fair enough, it's a new very different league and he's feeding Giroud rather than Ronaldo now ."

comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted 9 minutes ago
"Ridiculous statement."


"Truth is that he certainly hasn't been up to his usual standard during his overall time here and fair enough, it's a new very different league and he's feeding Giroud rather than Ronaldo now ."




----------------------------------------------------------------------
guess you've misread/not understood my comment GT?

comment by ☂ (U19684)
posted 5 minutes ago

----------------------------------------------------------------------
guess you've misread/not understood my comment GT?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think it's the bit that seems to imply that somehow Giroud isn't on Ronaldo's level.

comment by itsonlyagame - Let's go bowling! (U6426)
posted 1 hour, 14 minutes ago
comment by ☂ (U19684)
posted 5 minutes ago

----------------------------------------------------------------------
guess you've misread/not understood my comment GT?
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think it's the bit that seems to imply that somehow Giroud isn't on Ronaldo's level.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bobby Pires wasn't exactly renowned for his tracking back...

Ozil is finally playing with 2 world class players bang on his wave length in Cazorla and Sanchez. Then also add Theo + Ox to the equation and it all looks rather promising for Mesut if they stay fit.

Zidane would have struggled trying be creative with some of the teams we've had to field through injuries.

"IF you simplify your thinking to this level, you will see what I see. A great player who could become a true legend for us, but not if a section of the fans wont keep off his back.
You may think you sound smart, but you are just doing what the media and Spurs fans etc want you to do"

This pretty much applies for most anti arsenal stuff that has been spouted on this site this season