Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp has lauded the performances of Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil in his column for the Daily Mail.
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The German international was one of Arsenal’s best players this weekend as the Gunners beat Liverpool 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, with the former Real Madrid man netting a superb second goal with a beautifully-taken free-kick that sailed past Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Ozil has come under some crticism since his move to Arsenal last summer, but finally looks to be hitting top form, with Redknapp stating his belief that many have been too quick to dismiss his talents in this country.
Redknapp feels that although the 26-year-old may not be the most obvious stand-out performer in some games, the ex-Spurs ace thinks it is a problem in this country that more subtle talent is not appreciated by fans more, who focus instead on all-action displays of players like Alexis Sanchez.
“There’s no doubt that Mesut Ozil is an easy target for ex-pros and pundits. But when he’s at his best he is worth paying to watch,” Redknapp said.
“I’d much rather see a quality player do something special than a bunch of grafters with nothing to show for it.
“Against Liverpool, Ozil was at his brilliant best in a massive game. You don’t become a Real Madrid hero or win the World Cup without being something special. Ozil is just that.
“When things don’t come off for the German, people are quick to criticise. We do that too much in this country — looking at what people can’t do rather than what they can — and it’s where we go wrong so often.
“No, Ozil doesn’t charge around like Alexis Sanchez so people say he doesn’t care. Just ask Liverpool if Ozil cared about the game on Saturday.”