Crystal Palace flyer jumps to defence of Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil

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Crystal Palace player Andros Townsend has told Talksport that Arsenal fringe player Mesut Ozil is still world-class and still has a lot to offer.

The Eagles flyer was on the Talksport Breakfast show as a pundit this morning and was asked about the current predicament involving the German.

Ozil failed to play in any of Arsenal’s games after the restart, missing out on the club’s superb run to FA Cup glory where Chelsea were defeated in the final.

Townsend has jumped to the defence of Ozil though and believes the 92-cap World Cup winner is still quality but needs a manager to play to his strengths.

He told Talksport: “I think the thing with Mesut Ozil is, in this country we’re so obsessed with midfielders tracking back, working hard, getting their tackles in.

“Ozil has never been that player, when he was at Real Madrid he was always shining and when he first came to Arsenal he’s always been about the final third.

“He always had the midfielders behind him that did the dirty work and he just basically did what he was good at. He got on the ball, got into the box, created chances and scored goals.

“He’s still got a lot to offer, he’s still a world-class player but he needs a manager who plays to his strengths and allows him that freedom in the final third. For me, he’s still a top player.”

What next?

Given that Ozil earns in the region of £350,000-a-week offloading him might not be quite as easy as some people think.

If Mikel Arteta had the choice he probably would get rid of him and use the funds to strengthen his squad elsewhere on the pitch.

He might be forced into keeping him though and if that is to be the case, he might be as well to utilise him in some way, shape or form.

Ozil hanging around the place when he is probably desperate to prove a point isn’t doing anyone any favours.

As a result, Arteta needs to play him, or ask the club to do whatever it takes to find a club to take him – even if it is on loan for a season.