Steve Nicol slams Mesut Ozil’s haters amid links to DC United

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Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has an unlikely supporter in the form of former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol, amid speculation linking him with a move to DC United.

The German playmaker’s agent Erkut Sögüt actually met DC officials Jason Levien and Sam Porter on Wednesday for discussions about a potential move to the States for his client (Washington Post).

It is thought the MLS club want the star as a replacement for Wayne Rooney, who will leave for Derby County in January.

The links have seen many move to criticise Ozil, who struggled to convince last season under Unai Emery.

But one man who is a firm believer in the 30-year-old’s ability, is ex-Reds star Nicol.

Addressing the common criticism regarding Ozil’s work-rate, he said on ESPN FC: “I’m sick of people talking about Mesut Ozil not running around, not defending.

“That’s not what he does. You get him the ball in the other half of the field and he’ll produce. And he would still do that in the MLS.”

Nicol then proceeded to brand the ace ‘a superstar’, who gets thrown around unfairly by the media.

TBR’s view

Nicol’s defence of Ozil is admirable, and will go down well with some Arsenal supporters – but not everybody.

The former Real Madrid star continues to divide opinion, with many wishing he would produce on a more consistent basis.

Arguably, the thing that makes Ozil such a target for fans and pundits is the fact that he is paid considerably more than most players in the Premier League (£350,000-a-week) and so, the expectations are much higher. Any poor performances of his seem to be thrust under the microscope much quicker than other players.

The likelihood is that he won’t be leaving the club for the MLS just yet. Having looked great in pre-season, skeptical fans will be hoping for a big season from the undoubtedly talented number 10.