Jens Lehmann leaps to defence of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil

Jens Lehmann has defended Mesut Ozil following the recent criticism of the Arsenal and Germany playmaker.

The 25-year-old has seen his recent performances for club and country questioned by some following his £42.5m transfer to Arsenal from Real Madrid last summer.

When you pass the ball to him, he won’t lose it

Jens Lehmann

However, Lehmann is not surprised to see Ozil holding down a regular starting spot in Germany’s team at the World Cup.

“What he gives his stability,” Lehmann told talkSPORT.

“When you pass the ball to him, he won’t lose it, and he gives nice balls to strikers and midfielders. That is why Joachim Low is always relying on him.

“Technically he is the best player in the [Germany] squad still, so sooner or later it will come out again.”

The former Arsenal goalkeeper also praised the Gunners’ signing of Alexis Sánchez from Barcelona.

“Sánchez is very mobile so he will fit into Arsenal’s game,” he added.

“He played for Barcelona and they play a similar style with passing and running, so I think it will be a good signing.

“I hope he can go for a championship trophy with Arsenal next season.”