Rosicky tackles the major Ozil issue

MESUT OZIL is being hammered for his work ethic – just because he doesn’t throw himself into tackles.

That is the view of the attacking midfielder’s former team-mate, Tomas Rosicky, who has leapt to his defence.

Ozil joined Arsenal in 2013 from Real Madrid for a then-club record £42.5million and, after a successful start, he has come under fire ever since.

The former Germany star, 29, has often been accused of not working hard enough – especially without the ball.

But Rosicky (below) has claimed this is simply not the case and the criticism in England stems from Ozil not making enough tackles.

“If you always see his stats, he is not the one who is not working,” said Rosicky.

“What the people maybe lack with him, mainly in England, is that he is not the one who is going into the tackles or something like that.

“But if you see it in general – he is working hard.”

The criticism was very strong from pundits towards the end of last season.

But having played and trained alongside Ozil for three years, Rosicky is adamant the playmaker always puts a shift in.

“I know Mesut very well. I played a lot of games with him,” said the Czech, 37, who retired last year.

“You can see his stats, what he has every game.

“That’s what he used to be like and he was a hard worker – even in training.

“You have to see the things in perspective, he is someone who can decide the game by himself.”

After losing their opening two Premier League games, Arsenal have won three on the bounce as they welcome Everton today.

And Rosicky believes the Gunners have the potential to be a real threat under new boss Unai Emery.

“After a difficult start, even against two great teams in Manchester City and Chelsea, they are scoring goals – which is important,” he said.

“Absolutely they have potential. I think Unai Emery is a very good manager who was successful everywhere he has been before. I trust him.

“The people have to be patient now because it is a big change after Arsene Wenger’s era and the patience must be there now.”

Like the rest of the Arsenal squad, Ozil (above) is starting to find his feet after a slow start.

The former Werder Bremen man had a turbulent summer after he retired from international duty due to “racism and disrespect”.

But Rosicky believes that decision will benefit both Ozil and Arsenal.

“I think in the long term it can be positive for him that he will suddenly have a break now and he can rest and train properly – and prepare himself for the Premier League,” added Rosicky.

“I think he will still be a key player for Arsenal and, if he is playing well, Arsenal will be playing well.” SERIOUS KEEPER: Jordan Pickford says his daft days are behind him