Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has been criticised by two former Germany internationals for his recent club performances.
The Gunners club record signing had an immediate impact at the club after he arrived in the last hours of the transfer deadline back in the summer. However, the German has seen his form wane of late, which has led to many a column inch trying to decipher why.
Ozil, 25, was seen as the catalyst to the Gunners hopes of winning their first Premier League title in a decade. The assists and goal have dried up though, which has led to criticism from his homeland and doubt on how influential he will be in Germany’s summer World Cup squad. Former Real Madrid and West German international Gunter Netzer said Ozil lacks the spirit to be a leader.
He told Kicker: “The role of leader is not going to Ozil, and you do not do him any favours by waiting him to lead a team. He has no personality and mind for wanting to be dominant. ”Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus said Ozil needs to be handled delicately to get the best out of him.
Matthaus said: If Ozil is at his best, he can help, but his recent performances have raised doubts. If I compare him to those that are currently in the Bayern midfield, I rather think I would take someone like Toni Kroos in the [national] team, than Ozil. ”
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