How Ozil performed in his first Fenerbahce start

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:44 CDT
• 2 min read

Former Arsenal midfield Mesut Ozil gained his first start for Fenerbahce in their 2-1 away win against Karagumruk.

Ozil made the move to the Turkish giants in the January transfer window, and has been eased into action after a lengthy spell of inactivity due to his marginalisation at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

Ozil’s two appearances for Fenerbahce have come off the bench, with the former German international playing a combined total of 40 minutes from both games.

However he was handed his first start by coach Erol Bulut.

Ozil lasted 81 minutes against the eighth-placed outfit, but didn’t register a goal or an assist.

The 32-year-old did however produce some good sats during his time on the pitch. Ozil completed 51 passes in the game, and finished with a completion ratio of 96%, the best from any player on the pitch.

Furthermore, Ozil completed 18 of his passes inside the final third of the Karagumruk’s half, with one long pass.

He touched the ball a total of 60 times, making five recoveries, amongst the most from any player on the pitch.

Famed for his ability to create something from almost anything, Ozil produced two crosses and one dribble during his 81 minutes on the pitch.

Fenerbahce won the game thanks to goals from Mame Thiam and former West Ham forward Enner Valencia.

Former Liverpool, Sunderland, Roma and Milan forward Fabio Borini netted a consolation for the home side.

Other notable players included former Milan midfielder’s Lucas Biglia and Andrea Bertolacci, whilst Jose Sosa, formerly of Atletico Madrid, also featured.

Fenerbahce are currently lying third in the Turkish Super Lig table. They are level on points with fellow giants Galatasaray and Beskitas.

Ozil spent seven years at Arsenal, but was made surplus to requirements under Arteta. He hadn’t played for Arsenal since March 2020 before leaving for Turkey.