LONDON, ENGLAND — Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has named Mesut Özil as the best footballer he ever played alongside, highlighting the lasting impression made by the German playmaker during their time together in north London.
Xhaka made the revelation in a video posted on Sunderland’s TikTok account. Asked to identify the best teammate of his playing career, the Switzerland international gave a straightforward answer: Özil.
The midfielder did not provide a detailed explanation for his choice, but the selection reflects the reputation Özil built during his years at Arsenal and his influence on teammates who played alongside him.
Xhaka And Özil Shared 112 Matches
Xhaka joined Arsenal in 2016 and spent several seasons playing alongside Özil, who had arrived at the club from Real Madrid in 2013.
The two players featured together in 112 matches for Arsenal. During those games, the club recorded 61 victories, 24 draws and 27 defeats, according to the report.
Their partnership included some of Özil’s most productive years at Arsenal, when his vision, passing range and ability to create chances made him one of the club’s most prominent attacking players.
Özil regularly operated behind Arsenal’s forwards, while Xhaka provided midfield balance and distribution from deeper positions.
Özil’s Influence At Arsenal
Özil established himself as one of the Premier League’s most recognisable creative midfielders during his Arsenal career.
His ability to find teammates with through balls and passes in tight spaces became a defining feature of his game. He also developed a strong relationship with Arsenal supporters during his best periods at the club.
Beyond his club career, Özil was part of the Germany team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
His international achievements and club performances contributed to his reputation as one of the outstanding playmakers of his generation.
Arsenal Career Ended In 2021
Özil’s final years at Arsenal were more complicated.
Following Arsène Wenger’s departure, his role within the team gradually diminished. His situation became particularly prominent during the final stages of his Arsenal career, when he was left out of the club’s Premier League and Europa League squads.
He eventually left Arsenal in 2021 to join Fenerbahçe, bringing an end to an eight-year spell in which he made 254 appearances for the club across competitions.
Xhaka remained at Arsenal for another two years before leaving in 2023 for Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka Played With Other Top Players
Since leaving Arsenal, Xhaka has continued to share dressing rooms with highly rated players.
At Bayer Leverkusen, he played alongside Germany international Florian Wirtz during the club’s successful 2023–24 campaign.
He has also represented Switzerland alongside experienced players such as Xherdan Shaqiri.
Despite those experiences, Xhaka still selected Özil when asked to identify the finest teammate of his career.
Özil Left A Lasting Impression
Arsenal eventually developed another creative midfield focal point in Martin Ødegaard, who became an important figure in the club’s midfield.
However, Özil’s style was distinctive. His vision and passing ability made him particularly influential during his strongest seasons, while his partnership with several Arsenal forwards produced memorable moments for the club.
Xhaka’s brief answer therefore offers a personal assessment from a player who spent several seasons alongside Özil.
For Arsenal supporters, the comments also provide another reminder of the German midfielder’s influence during one of the most memorable periods of his career in England.
