Steven Gerrard has done a full 180° on his opinion on Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil.
Ozil has a tendency to divide opinion among supporters and nothing highlights the polarising nature of the German international more clearly than the turnaround completed by Gerrard in his analysis of Ozil’s game in just a matter of months.
Last December, Gerrard praised Ozil for his ability and selflessness ahead of Arsenal’s final Champions League group game against Basel.
“He’s the type of player you would have liked to have played with during your career,” the Liverpool legend said of Ozil in late 2016.
“A lot of assists from him, a lot of magic.
“I think he’s an easy target when it goes wrong for Arsenal, because he’s so relaxed and casual.”
Fast forward nine months and Gerrard is far less complimentary of Ozil.
The former Reds captain was on punditry duty for the Gunners’ Premier League tie at the Britannia, where Ozil struggled during a 1-0 loss to Stoke City.
The 28-year-old was branded “a liability” by Gerrard, who also suggested that Ozil gives up too easily when the game looks as though it is getting away from him.
“We’ve all seen him on his day and he’s a world class talent in possession, although he was poor in that respect today,” Gerrard said after Arsenal’s defeat.
"Out of possession, he doesn't want to know!"
Keown and Gerrard break down Mesut Ozil's role in the Arsenal XI. pic.twitter.com/hgvdjGaymP
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2017
“I just worry about his body language and his reaction when the ball is turned over. He offers his teammates nothing defensively and away from home he’s a liability.
“Both his and Xhaka’s reaction in the build-up to the goal is weak. Ozil gives up and quits, he doesn’t track the run.”
