Martin Keown: This Arsenal player doesn’t show enough determination and grit
The Arsenal legend believes Mesut Ozil still lacks the sufficient work rate
Martin Keown has questioned Mesut Ozil’s determination ahead of Arsenal’s home clash against Watford at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners midfielder put pen to paper on a lucrative long-term deal with the north London side last month to become the best-paid player in Arsenal’s history.
Ozil is rumoured to be earning £350,000 a week at Arsenal but the World Cup winner has struggled to become a commanding player in Arsene Wenger’s team.
The 29-year-old has been unable to help Arsenal losing four of their last five Premier League games to lose substantial ground on their traditional rivals.
Ozil has won three FA Cup titles but the World Cup winner hasn’t been able to propel Arsenal to a first Premier League crown since 2003-04.
Former Arsenal defender Keown isn’t impressed with Ozil’s work rate despite his undoubted natural talent.
“He’s not the type of player who’s really going to show enough grit and determination for me,” Keown told BT Sport.
“Yes, he’s the icing on the cake and a quality player. You want everyone to perform.”
Arsenal finished in fifth place in the Premier League table last term to miss out on a spot in the Champions League.
The Gunners signed Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the January transfer window.
Arsenal signed Ozil in a £42.5m deal from La Liga giants Real Madrid in the 2013 summer transfer window.
