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Saturday, September 7, 2013

Near perfect! Arsenal's Mesut Ozil's 99 per cent pass completion rate for Germany

Arsenal fans know they have secured a superstar in Mesut Ozil. But do they realise just how good? Ozil started for Germany as they defeated Austria 3-0 in World Cup qualifying Group C, and his performance was near immaculate. He played in the centre of a three in a 4-2-3-1 formation, in between Marco Reus and Thomas Muller. Ozil featured for all 90 minutes, with Toni Kroos, Miroslav Krose and Thomas Muller scoring the goals. The new Arsenal man did not assist any of the three goals, but his performance was key in helping Germany keep possession and exert their dominance. Germany dominated the match with 65 per cent of possession and 17 shots on goal compared to Austria's 10. Ozil's performance from a statistical point of view was quite stunning. He completed a near perfect 99 per cent of his passes, with Toni Kroos (93 per cent) closest to him. Ozil made 69 successful passes, the second highest total of any midfielder - behind Kroos (83). Of those passes, four resulted in goalscoring opportunites, being classed as key passes, more than any other Germany player. Ozil also made one interception and had one shot on goal, which was not on target. With Arsenal a team so often praised for their passing, with a midfield of Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla; Mesut Ozil should feel right at home. Arsenal fans, can Ozil be the man to bring silverware to the Emirates?

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