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JULIAN DRAXLER has leapt to the defence of Mesut Ozil ahead of Germany’s big World Cup opener against Mexico.

The playmaker’s place is under threat after a loss of form with pundits in Germany questioning his body language and former captain Michael Ballack declaring he is “not a leader”.

But Paris Saint-Germain star Draxler – one of Ozil’s rivals for a starting spot – claims the Arsenal ace is still vital to the defending champions.

He said: “That debate has been raging for years. It’s obviously clear he is an exceptional player. He has technical abilities that are unrivalled.

“I am sure Mesut Ozil will be there when we need him. He will deliver at this tournament. Mesut is a very important player for us. That is not in question. It’s a fact.

“We’re very focused. The mood is great. The stories that Ozil is not at his best are not true.”

Legend Ballack blasted Ozil last week, saying: “He has these performances where you can’t see him really. He is not this kind of leader.”

Ozil, 29, won the World Cup four years ago and even though many of that team have since retired, Draxler believes a new generation of young stars like Timo Werner is emerging.

But he could not resist a little dig at Manchester City’s Leroy Sane who was a surprise omission from the squad, partly because he skipped their Confederations Cup win last year to have nose surgery.

Draxler, 24, said: “We have an incredible number of great young players – especially those who used the opportunity to go to the Confed Cup and who shone there.

“It’s important to draw on the experience of those who won the World Cup four years ago but history is not of significance here. This is a new team. We don’t look back.”

Boss Joachim Loew admits there is tension in the camp but challenged his players to make history by successfully defending their crown.

He said: “It is the most difficult feat. Some players finish their careers. Others come in but the hunger and the ambition is clearly there. The focus, the tension is rising. It’s palpable. They all feel this is something very special. There is no greater event.

“We really want to set an example in our opening game and send a message.

“The ambition is there. Everybody is tense. That level of tension remains the same despite previous titles.”

Loew insists their rivals have all got stronger since the last World Cup but remains