OZIL HAS TO SHOW CLASS

Ballack blast for Gunners ace

MESUT OZIL needs to up his game for Arsenal and prove he is still world class.

That is the view of Ozil’s fellow German Michael Ballack, who feels the Gunners star has failed to answer his critics.

Ozil, 28, has confirmed contract talks are on hold until the end of the season, when he will have a year left on his deal. But ® Ballack reckons he has done little this season to impress buyers and his wage demands could make him too expensive.

The ex-Chelsea and Germany midfielder said: “It is difficult to say really if he should stay at Arsenal. A player like him, who has played for Real Madrid and now Arsenal and who knows the Premier League and La Liga, he has his own feeling and experience.

“And there are not many clubs where he can go now and who can afford him.

“I think he needs to feel comfortable with the decision that he makes.

“But it also depends on what Arsene Wenger does. They have a good relationship and maybe that is why he is waiting a bit.”

Touch

Ozil, who cost Arsenal £42.5m from Real Madrid four years ago, has been criticised for below-par performances.

Ballack said: “He is one of the best players in the world at the moment. He has a great left foot, a great touch, a good view for the game, combined with his speed with the ball especially.

“He can have a huge influence on the game and can change games.

“What he can improve is mentally how he deals with certain situations, as if he feels comfortable on the pitch.

“But everyone has difficult situations in the game where you get criticism and you have to go through that and deal with it.

“I just wish he could step up a bit more and be a bit more against the opinions of the media, fans, or whoever, because he is a good player and sometimes he should have more confidence.”