Premier League returns this week after a hiatus on June 17, as Manchester City will host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium behind closed doors. It will be the first time both clubs step onto the pitch since the suspension of the league season in March.
MESUT ÖZIL:
Mesut Ozil hasn’t delivered the goods as expected since the day he stepped on to the Emirates stadium. Mix-up between his former coach Unai Emery and not getting enough playtime may rationale Ozil’s poor form. But, the appointment of Mikel Arteta as the club’s coach seems to provide some sort of salvation as we witnessed a rejuvenated Özil.
The German Ace has started every single league match since Arteta took over the club and managed to contribute 1 goal and an assist in 10 appearances. Considering the one and only assist he provided in 8 appearances prior to Arteta’s arrival, his performance seems more promising as Ozil himself quotes like
“As a playmaker, I need a lot of space. His playing style allows me to get that space and that’s why it is so important to be successful. It’s basically getting us back to the old Arsenal virtues.”
His counterpart Arteta expects Özil to step up and take charge of his duties. The manager’s elevated by Özil’s performance and seems to have more confidence in him than his former boss.
“I think he could have had more assists and probably more goals in the games he has played under me which has been a little bit unlucky but overall I think that his performance has improved a lot.”
The incoming of Real Madrid playmaker Dani Ceballos has definitely relieved the pressure on Özil’s shoulders and this might be the right time for him to prove he’s worth £350k per week.
Arteta’s high pressing with intense coordination and two defensive foundations in the midfield casting Xhaka and Torreira might provide the No.10 the ease and flair to float across the pitch and his passing ability along with extraordinary vision might provide nightmares for City’s defense.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE:
Whomsoever fan you may be, you won’t overlook Kevin de Bruyne’s performances over the last few seasons. The midfielder is exceptionally good in attacking and his off-ball movements might provide serious threats for the back-four. The Belgian leads the assists charts invariably with 16 assists and is directing towards a number of Premier League records. He has been the man on mission for the Cityzens also scoring 8 goals in 26 appearances.
De Bruyne is the engine for the team’s attacking play providing high precision final balls and his split-passes might thwart defenses. Scoring a goal and providing an assist in a comeback win against Real Madrid at their own den is just an ideal one for the 28-year old. Nobody would wonder even if he wins the PFA Players’ of the Year award.
De Bruyne plays nonetheless a similar role of Özil besides taking part in defensive duties more often than his counterpart. His team wouldn’t be able to survive a top-table clash without the presence of him alike their match against Manchester United when they lost 2-0 to the underdogs.
With the Premier League dreams far away from sight, City’s main focus has shifted towards the Champions League and they would only wish to secure their second spot from Leicester City.
Never mind who wins the clash, it will be ecstatic to witness the eye-catching display of two of the best modern-era midfielders.
