Arsenal: Ballack Slams Ozil’s Attitude

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Former Chelsea midfielder, Michael Ballack, believes Mesut Ozil didn’t fight hard enough for his place at Real Madrid and must show a reaction to his drab performances at Arsenal.

Arsenal’s record signing, who moved to the Gunners for £43.5 million last summer, has yet to convince his critics in England of his qualities and Ballack believes Ozil needs to show more fighting spirit.

"What's happened with him? I don't know," Ballack told Sky Sports.

 "There must be something behind (the scenes) because his head is mostly down, the body language is not improving even with the world champion (medal) in the pocket.

"I don't really know what's happened over the last year since he moved from Madrid to Arsenal.

"A player like him with his ability should have tried to stay longer at Real Madrid. That is my opinion. You could see there was a little bit trouble, a little bit moaning. I think he played well but you need time to adapt at a club.

"If there is some ups and downs (at a club) you need to fight these things.

"He got criticised here (at Arsenal), he's not at his best but I don't see a reaction.

"A player like him with his ability should show a reaction but he never was the strongest player in terms of fighting, body language.

Arsene Wenger mainly uses Ozil on the left or right-wing while many pundits believe the 25-year-old is one of the best number 10s in the game.

Ballack, who won 98 caps for Germany, is confident Ozil will rediscover his form and says Arsenal fans should trust the Wenger to get the best out of him.

"When you a buy a player like Ozil you know his strengths and Arsene Wenger knows I think where he is at his best," Ballack added.

"If he thinks he can help the team more as a No.10 I think he would put him at No.10.

"In his younger ages when he grew up from Schalke and Werder Bremen he was mostly in the (centre of) midfield so he felt very comfortable there but in terms of pace he's good on the side as well.

"But, he needs to learn how to defend as well because on these winger positions you need to defend. At this level, if one player's out you have no chance."

Ozil has scored seven goals and assisted further 14 in 45 games for the Gunners.

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