LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Holding says player Arsenal let go of in 2018 had even better first touch than Ozil

Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal defender Rob Holding has told the club’s official Twitch channel that Mesut Ozil has the best first touch at the Emirates Stadium now, although Santi Cazorla used to hold that crown.

Ozil has been ostracised from Arsenal’s team this season and now appears to be heading towards the exit door.

But Holding still had time to play the German one last compliment before he potentially departs.

The central defender, who has just signed a new contract, claimed that Ozil now has the best touch at Arsenal.

But Cazorla, who Arsenal let go of in 2018, still has the greatest first touch that Holding has seen.

“When I first signed it was Santi hands down, but now Mesut,” he said. “His touch never lets him down, he just cushions it so nice.

Santi Cazorla of Villarreal looks on during the Liga match between Villarreal CF and Levante UD at Estadio de la Ceramica on February 15, 2020 in Villareal, Spain. (Pablo Morano/MB Media/Getty Images)

“Laca is up there, when he drops as a number nine, when he sets and links-up the play, his sets are usually really nice.”

Holding claiming Ozil still has the best touch at Arsenal shows how highly regarded he remains among his teammates.

However, Mikel Arteta seemingly feels that Arsenal can function better without the experienced playmaker.

Ozil’s lack of ability to press off the ball is clearly a concern for the manager, and the Daily Mail have now reported that the 31-year-old is very close to an exit.

The Gunners have brought Emile Smith Rowe into the team recently, with the youngster looking set to be Arsenal’s key creative influence for the remainder of the season, with Ozil departing.