Article on the true off-the-ball work rate of Mesut Ozil

Pretty good read. Teaser:

Özil is doing stuff, it’s just not the stuff that we’re counting. The vast majority of his work comes off the ball and away from the attention both of viewers and defenses. He’s one of the best players in the world at maintaining a side’s attacking balance, moving into spaces vacated by others either to free himself to receive a pass or keep defenders honest and create running, passing, and shooting lanes for others. If a winger cuts inside, he moves wide. If a striker comes short, he goes long. If a midfielder runner charges forward, he finds the pocket of space they left. Özil’s the pea in the shell game, perpetually moving, but never where you’re actually looking.