Unai Emery wants Mesut Ozil to be “demanding” for Arsenal in each match as the coach seeks to revive the fortunes of the mercurial playmaker.
After initially shining brightly in north London following his move from Real Madrid in 2013, Ozil has struggled for consistency in recent seasons.
The 29-year-old German, who retired from international duty after the World Cup amid allegations of discriminatory treatment, has continued to be the subject of intense scrutiny at club level.
Ozil failed to make an impact in the Gunners’ 2-0 loss at home to reigning champions Manchester City in the opening round of the Premier League season last weekend.
“The positioning, Ozil is playing all his career like a 10 player or like a right winger going inside to receive the ball,” he said.
“It’s clear he needs the ball more to give more options in the attacking moments. He needs to do [it] in each match, be demanding for us.”
Discussing Ozil’s work-rate off the ball, Emery said: “Defensive moments are for each and every player. Don’t change Mesut Ozil in his positioning.
“Every player needs to do [defensive work] in the true moment of a match. There are defensive moments and attacking moments. Every player each needs this commitment.
“For me, we need to start together, whether we are attacking or defending. I want that from every player.”
A quick, creative and technical player, Özil excels in an advanced playmaking role,as a winger on either flank, or as an attacking midfielder through the centre of the pitch. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was also deployed in a new role which was later described as a false-10 or central winger, due to his tendency to drift from the centre into a wide position when in possession of the ball; he has also been deployed in a more advanced role, where he usually functions as a second striker, as he often drops into deeper positions, from which he can link the midfield with the attack and initiate passing moves.
An elegant left-footed player, his main attributes are his vision, his control, movement, passing range, and accurate crossing ability, as well as his delivery from set-pieces, which allow him to get into good attacking positions, create chances, and provide many assists for his teammates