Arsene Wenger has conceded that German midfielder Mesut Ozil used to be lazy but he is not anymore. Ozil is in the form of his life this season for Arsenal and has been pivotal to their success across all the competitions after their slow start to the season.
The 28-year old has looked a completely different player this season as he has already scored seven goals in 13 appearances for the club and is on course to eclipse his previous best goal scoring season.
Despite having a slow start to his career at Emirates since his move from Real Madrid in 2014, the German international has been giving his all on the pitch this season which is helping the club reap benefits and Wenger believes there is a change in the player.
‘He pushes himself much more. He has that in him as well,’ said Wenger.
‘Sometimes the trap for very talented players is that it is easy for them. They know subconsciously they don’t need to push themselves too hard to be efficient.
‘It’s so easy. I can’t tell you because I was never in that situation!’
The 66-year old has also insisted that despite Ozil working hard, his playing style would suggest like he is working lesser.
‘You have to be cautious in that, by looking at that,’ Wenger added.
‘People who look fluid, lax with their joints, not stiff with their joints, don’t look as if they push themselves too much, but if you look at their performances they surprise you many times.
‘They look like they don’t push themselves. More the reluctance with him was that people were saying he didn’t go too much into challenges or tough contact.
‘He’s more a guy whose strength is to get out of things but on that front, I believe he’s improved as well.’
Ozil has been in prime form this season and has scored one of the greatest goals for the club when he clinched the winner against Ludogorets in the dying moments with a sensational goal earlier this week.