Can Mesut Ozil finally show his world-class talent in England?
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1) Mesut Ozil
No doubt Ozil is phenomenally talented, but there’s also little doubt that he didn’t quite live up it last term, following his £42.5m move from Real Madrid. The German will enjoy the extra pace out wide that Alexis Sanchez and a fit again Theo Walcott will provide, and he’ll look to use his exceptional creative skills in the no.10 role to make countless chances. Arsenal fans will be worried that his World Cup duties mean he won’t have had a pre-season with the Gunners, however.
2) Kieran Gibbs
With Leighton Baines struggling at the World Cup, and Ashley Cole retiring from international duty, Gibbs has a good chance of forcing his way into the England squad if he can start the 2014/15 season well. First, he’ll need to continue to keep Nacho Monreal out of the side, and make sure he’s as defensively robust as he is promising going forward. If he can do this, he should be able to prove himself to Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson, with Euro 2016 in the distant horizon.
3) Jack Wilshere
Injuries plagued Wilshere’s season last time out, and really, he needs a campaign off the sidelines if he’s going to start fulfilling his promise. The English midfielder is 22-years-old now, an age with which his unbelievable talent, he should perhaps have done more so far. However, with Aaron Ramsey performing so brilliantly last term, and Ozil guaranteed the no.10 spot, Wilshere has no automatic role in the team. Arsene Wenger rates him hugely, and will give him chances. He’ll need to take them with both hands.
4) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Injuries blighted the youngster’s season last time out, and he actually only made six Premier League starts in total. Arsenal have a wealth of superb attacking midfielders, and if everyone’s fit, Oxlade-Chamberlain might struggle for game time. Verses Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season though, he played superbly from central midfield, and with Mikel Arteta ageing, and doubts surrounding the long-term suitability of Mathieu Flamini, he could earn himself this spot.
5) Olivier Giroud
The striker actually scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, but he came under (at times) huge criticism from fans for consistent failure to perform in big matches. With Arsene Wenger telling supporters a replacement spearhead striker will not be signed, Giroud will need to deliver against the top four sides. If he proves he can do this, he will prove his manager right.
