Despite owning a 2-0 lead over Arsenal heading into their Champions League leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is not taking the Gunners lightly. At a Tuesday presser before the match ter Stegen spoke glowingly about his English opponent and about Arsenal superstar Mesut Ozil in particular.
At the Tuesday press conference [per the Metro], the 23-year-old ter Stegen went so far to compare the magic Ozil can create with his footwork to his Ballon d’Or-winning teammate Lionel Messi. The German goalkeeper also complimented Ozil for the benefit he gives their home country on an international level, having played with him several times for the seniors.
‘As a footballer, Ozil is a player who can do unthinkable things, just like Messi,’ ter Stegen said.
‘He is impressive, and we will have to be alert that he does not harm us.
‘I have played with him two or three times and he is a very significant player for the German national team and can do incredible things.’
Ozil currently leads the Premier League in assists and is among the leaders in all of European football in the same category. Messi, meanwhile, scored twice in Barcelona’s win over Arsenal in the Champions League in the first leg at the Emirates.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has started the last 20 matches in the Champions League for Barcelona, including all 13 in their title-winning campaign last season.
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