“I Have Played Alongside Ramsey and Sanchez Before, But I Must Confess That None Have the Qualities That This Guy Possesses” – Mesut Özil Names the ONE Arsenal Player He Wishes He Had Played With – It’s Not Rice, and It’s Not Saka
In a surprise revelation that has left Arsenal fans buzzing, former Gunners playmaker Mesut Özil has opened up about his admiration for one current Arsenal star – and it’s not Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka. Known for his silky first touch, visionary passing, and effortless flair, Özil was widely regarded as one of the most creative midfielders of his generation. During his time at Arsenal, he shared the pitch with some world-class talents like Aaron Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Santi Cazorla, but the German maestro believes none of them compare to the unique brilliance of this current Arsenal sensation.
“I have played alongside Ramsey and Sanchez before, but I must confess that none have the qualities that this guy possesses,” Özil told a Turkish outlet during a candid interview. “If I’m to come back in my next life as a footballer, I would have loved him to be my teammate.”
And who exactly is the player that has earned such high praise from the former World Cup winner?
Martin Ødegaard.
Yes, the man pulling the strings at Arsenal today has managed to capture Özil’s admiration in a way that few others ever did.
“I watch Ødegaard and I see a player who thinks two steps ahead, just like I used to try to do,” Özil continued. “He has the calmness, the intelligence, and the eye for the final ball. But what impresses me the most is his leadership. He’s not loud, but his game speaks volumes. Arsenal are lucky to have him, and I really wish I had the chance to play with him.”
Ødegaard, who joined Arsenal initially on loan in 2021 before making the move permanent, has become an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s revolution at the Emirates. The Norwegian midfielder has not only contributed with goals and assists but also demonstrated the maturity and composure of a seasoned captain, guiding a young squad through intense title races and European nights.
For Özil, who wore the number 10 shirt at Arsenal and carried the creative burden for much of his time in North London, Ødegaard is a natural successor.
“I see a little bit of myself in him,” Özil said with a smile. “But he has something extra – that sharpness in tight spaces, the way he presses, and how he leads by example. That’s special.”
This glowing endorsement has only added more excitement among Arsenal supporters, many of whom still revere Özil for his magical moments in red and white. Social media exploded with reactions, as fans reminisced about what a partnership between Özil and Ødegaard could’ve looked like. The passing triangles, the vision, the technique – it’s the kind of football fantasy that dreams are made of.
Interestingly, Özil’s comments also subtly distance him from the growing hype around Arsenal’s other stars like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, both of whom are currently among the best in the Premier League. While he didn’t criticize them, the fact that he singled out Ødegaard speaks volumes about the type of footballer Özil truly values – intelligent, elegant, and technical.
Arsenal fans can only imagine the kind of magic that could have been created if Özil and Ødegaard had shared the same midfield. One thing’s for sure: when a player of Mesut Özil’s caliber singles you out for praise, you must be doing something truly exceptional.
“In another life, he’d be my teammate,” Özil concluded. “And I think we’d create something beautiful together on the pitch.”
Now, Ødegaard continues to carry the creative torch at Arsenal – with the blessing of a man who once lit up the Emirates in similar fashion.