Martin Keown questions why Mesut Ozil can’t play like Arsenal midfielder
The Arsenal legend questions why Mesut Ozil can't play like Jack Wilshere in Arsene Wenger's team
Martin Keown has questioned why Mesut Ozil can’t play like Jack Wilshere in the Arsenal team.
The England international was handed his first Premier League start of the 2017-18 season in their goalless draw with West Ham United at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.
Wilshere touched the ball 80 times and completed 90 per cent of his passes to propel Arsenal forward in search of an equaliser agains the Hammers in Stratford.
The 25-year-old’s driving runs from midfield have become a feature of his game when the England star has been able to maintain match fitness.
Ozil, on the other hand, looked out of ideas during the goalless stalemate amid continued speculation surrounding his future at the north London club.
Former Arsenal midfielder Keown questioned why Ozil can’t show the same desire as Wilshere in the Gunners team.
“The situation with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil has not helped,” Keown told the Daily Mail. “I would be surprised if they are persuaded to stay.
“Jack Wilshere had not started a Premier League match for Arsenal for 557 days but was their best player against West Ham. That is a plus for Wenger but why was Ozil not bossing a game like that?
“He kept getting deeper and deeper in the match while Wilshere was the only player driving through that midfield.”
Wilshere made his first start at West Ham following five substitute appearances in the 2017-18 season so far.
The Gunners midfielder has made one goal and has made one assist in six Europa League games to help the north London outfit reach the last 32.
Arsenal finished in fifth place in the Premier League table last term but won their third FA Cup in four seasons.
