‘That’s not the real Ozil’

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that the Mesut Ozil that played for Germany in this World Cup was not the ‘real Ozil’ as the attacking midfielder’s true potential and abilities were not mirrored in his performances for Germany in the showpiece event.

Germany went into the competition as the defending champions and one of the favourites to win the title again but returned home early from Russia as they finished bottom of Group -- a group comprised of Mexico, Sweden and South Korea.

Ozil played in the Group Stage defeats to Mexico and South Korea but was left on the bench against Sweden, where Germany managed their only win in the tournament, courtesy of a late Toni Kroos free-kick in a 2-1 victory over Sweden.

The 29-year old midfielder had put in a very disappointing performance against South Korea in their final group stage match—a game that was a must-win for the defending champions to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Two late goals from Korea oversaw humiliating German exit from the World Cup.

Ozil, along with his Germany team mate Ikay Gundogan were subjected to heavy criticism by German fans before the World Cup after the duo were pictured with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

 According to a report from Goal.com, Wenger told beIN SPORTS that the criticisms affected the performances of Ozil in World Cup as Ozil is a player who needs support and confidence to show his abilities.

“I know Ozil well, he’s an exceptional football player but him and Gundogan suffered from what happened before the World Cup,” said Wenger.

“They have been vindicated in Germany when Ozil is a guy who needs support. He doesn't need controversy. When I watched him play I could feel that there were situations in the game where he could have moved forward, progressed, played more vertically.

“He played for security and I was thinking ‘come on, that’s not the real Ozil I know, the guy who can kill’. He did play alright but I think he didn’t play with complete freedom, he played a little bit with the handbrake and Gundogan didn't play at all, and Gundogan is a great player.” Wenger concluded.

Ozil will continue his club career under new management, with Unai Emery replacing Wenger at the Arsenal helm before the start of the 2018-19 season.