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“I’d Rather Have Toni Kroos Than Mesut Ozil”

By mac14 on March 5, 2014

Lothas Matthaus has claimed that Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos should be starting ahead of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in the German national team.

Much has been said of Ozil’s recent form and he’s come under a huge amount of criticism following his penalty miss and lackluster performance against Bayern two weeks ago.

The 25-year-old was subsequently left out of the squad to face Sunderland, while he was only a second half substitute against Stoke at the weekend.

Being out of form is certainly not what any player wants heading into the World Cup this summer and although he’s been regarded as a vital part of the Germany team over the past four years, World Cup winner Matthaus feels it’s time Ozil was axed in favour of Bayern’s in-form Toni Kroos.

“If Ozil is at his best, he can help, but the recent performances have raised doubts. If I compare him to those in Bayern’s midfield, I think I’d rather have someone like Toni Kroos in the side than Ozil.” [source: Mirror]

Germany coach Joachim Loew has also warned Ozil that he needs to be at his best if he wants to be on the plane to Brazil this summer. He said:

“We need the best players currently available at the World Cup, and not theoretically the best.

“I’ve told the players: The clock is ticking. And only ones who hear it will have a fighting chance.”

There’s no denying that Mesut is going through a bit of a tough time, but I think the criticism aimed at him has been well over the top and hugely unfair.

Arsenal in general have been below par over the last month, so it’s not just Ozil who’s been struggling. It was clear to many that he needed a rest after Christmas but Arsene Wenger continued to start him every game, and let’s not forget this is Ozil’s first season without a winter break, so it’s no surprise his performances have dropped.

I think a lot of people are prematurely writing him off. He’s had a couple of weeks rest so all it’s going to take is one big performance for him to regain his confidence and I’m sure we’ll be seeing the best of him again.

Form is temporary, class is permanent.