Germany v Finland - International Friendly — MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - AUGUST 31: Mesut Oezil of Germany celebrates the second goal with team mate Max Meyer, an own goal by Paulus Arajuuri of Finland during the International Friendly match between Germany and Finland at Borussia-Park on August 31, 2016 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Arsenal Gossip

Max Meyer: Could he really replace Mesut Ozil?

Apr 22, 2017

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Arsenal are preparing a €17m bid this summer in order to bring young playmaker to the Emirates.

Meyer has been touted as a possible Mesut Ozil replacement
Offensively very strong, he is weak defensively
Still young, Meyer has plenty to work with

The 21-year-old has made 37 appearances for Schalke 04 across three competitions, mostly being played as an central attacking midfielder behind the striker.

Of 37 appearances, on 11 occasions he’s been brought on as a substitute. So far he has scored two goals and made five assists, which seems a bit low for a player playing just behind forwards.

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2. Weakness

Due to lack of physical strength, Meyer is unable to offer any real aerial force, and his defensive work-rate and contribution looks almost like the polar opposite of his attacking abilities.

To put thing in a perspective, so far he has won 12 tackles and lost 24, while committing 11 fouls and gathering three yellow cards. If he were to join Arsenal, his defensive abilities would need serious development.

With just eight interceptions and having made no defensive blocks, most defenders surely wouldn’t appreciate his lack of contribution.

His lack of physical strength can be seen with the next two stats with just 32.5% successful take-ons and 19.35% aerial duels won. He would have to undergo a serious program to build up his physique for the Premier League.

Next – One for the future?

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