It hasn’t been the dream move Mesut Ozil envisaged since joining Fenerbahce – in fact, far from it.
The 32-year-old was allowed to leave Arsenal on a free transfer during the January transfer window following an acrimonious end to his Gunners career.
Ozil couldn’t have hoped to join a side more in form, with the Turkish giants flying high at the top of Super Lig and with one eye firmly on a first title in seven years.
But since then they have lost three of their last five matches and dropped to third place, been knocked out of the Turkish Cup, while the former Germany international has failed to register a single goal or an assist for his new side.
In total, Ozil has spent 322 minutes on the pitch so far and only made four attempts on goal – one of which has ended up on target.
The German-born playmaker’s creative prowess is undeniable, so he’ll certainly be disappointed with the fact he’s failed to make a single successful dribble at Fenerbahce thus far.
The only two matches Ozil has started – against Fatih Karagumruk and Goztepe – has yielded one victory.
Mesut Ozil’s WhoScored ratings since joining Fenerbahce:
Goztepe – 6.58
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) February 24, 2021
His performances have led to rather underwhelming ratings from WhoScored – with 6.60 the highest score he’s received so far after a second-half cameo appearances in a 1-0 home defeat by Galatasaray last month.
Despite that the former Fenerbahce and Turkey striker Ridvan Dilmen is unconcerned by Ozil’s slow start to life and has backed him to produce the goods next season.
“I did not expect Mesut Ozil to do so much. It is not easy,” Dilmen said after the win against Karagumruk.
“You play football for the first time after 10 months. A team was not built around Mesut, Mesut came to this team.
“I think the next season will be much better because his contract will be three-and-a-half years. Despite this, I respect his devotion.”