Michael Owen delivers verdict on Mesut Ozil ahead of Arsenal v Tottenham

Michael Owen has praised Mesut Ozil and says that the Arsenal playmaker is sometimes on the receiving end of unjustified criticism.

Ozil was the star of the show on Tuesday night as his superb late goal handed Arsenal a dramatic 3-2 win over Ludogorets in the Champions League to book the Gunners’ place in the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition.

The playmaker has earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents since his transfer to the club from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.

The 28-year-old is often criticised for his negative body language on the pitch.

However, former Liverpool striker Owen believes that his persona plays a big part in his talent as a player.

Speaking on BT Sport on Tuesday night, Owen said: “(Ozil’s body language) doesn’t mean he’s not trying, it doesn’t mean he’s not working hard.

“Dimitar Berbatov was the same. It’s easy to have a go at people like that as they’re almost sitting ducks because they look so lazy.

“But it’s just his style and if he wasn’t like that he might not be the player he is.

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“It only takes a little bit more for him to really be one of the best players in the Premier League and have massive influences on every game.”

Ozil will be expecting to feature for Arsenal when the Gunners return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon with a crunch clash against bitter local rivals Tottenham at The Emirates.