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Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil still a ‘world class’ player and has ‘a lot to offer’ under right manager, says Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend insists Mesut Ozil is still a world class player.
The Gunners' World Cup-winning playmaker has been frozen out by Mikel Arteta, with his last appearance coming in March.
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But Crystal Palace winger Townsend believes Ozil, who has one year left on his £350,000-a-week deal, could star again under the right manager and in a team that is set up to his strengths.
He told talkSPORT: “The thing with Ozil is in this country we’re so obsessed with midfielders tracking back, working hard, getting the tackles in, but Mesut Ozil has never been that player.
“When he was at Real Madrid, when he was shining, when he first came to Arsenal, he was always around the final third.
“He had midfielders behind him that did the doggy work and he just basically did what he was good at, which was getting in the pockets, getting on the ball and setting up chances and goals.
“I think if anyone is going to sign Mesut Ozil, they know what they’re getting. They know they need to put two midfielders behind him who are going to work hard for him so they can allow him to get on the ball and do what he does best.
“I think everyone knows what Arteta is like, he’s obviously learned from [Pep] Guardiola, and Guardiola demands the most out of his players - every single one of them.
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“So it’s unfortunate for Mesut Ozil because he’s still got a lot to offer. He’s still a world class player.
“If you get him the right manager who will play to his strengths, let him have freedom in the final third, he can still create a lot of chances, he can still be a the top player that he is.
“Arsenal are going in a different direction and unfortunately he’s not part of that.”
Despite his Arsenal exile, Ozil is adamant he will not leave the club this summer.
The former Germany international is determined to see out his contract at the Emirates, which runs until 2021.
Last month, he said: “My position is clear. I’m here through to the last day of our agreement and I’ll give everything I have for this club.
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“I’ll decide when I go, not other people. I didn’t sign for two or three years, I signed for four and that should be respected by everyone.
“Things have obviously been difficult but I love Arsenal, I love to work there, I love the people in the club - the real people, those I’ve been with for a long time - and I love London, it’s my home.
“Whatever happened in the last two seasons, I’m happy and very strong mentally. I never give up on anything. I want to help my team and I’ll fight for it. If I’m fit, I know what I can do on the pitch.”
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