“You have to work for the team” – Chelsea hero Ray Wilkins issues warning to Arsenal over midfield ace
Former Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins issued a warning regarging Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Ozil has been in the firing line in recent weeks and can’t even avoid criticism when he doesn’t play.
According to Wilkins, Arsene Wenger should only field Ozil in home games for Arsenal. The north London-based club held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw last Sunday and have been roundly praised for their resilient display. Neither Ozil or Alexis Sanchez started for Arsenal on the day.
See More: Arsenal legend Ian Wright accuses Mesut Ozil of faking injury prior to Chelsea clash
“I don’t think he will get back in the team. The way Wenger set things out at Stamford Bridge – he did it remarkably well,” Wilkins told AskFans.
“I would only play Ozil at the Emirates, personally. Away from home, you have to fight and you have to fight to eleven. You can’t fight as ten.
“Ozil is a wonderfully gifted footballer, don’t get me wrong. I love him to pieces, but you have to work for the team.
“When you lose the ball – get yourself back and start working the for team. If you look at the team on Sunday, they were fantastic. They had a fantastic work ethic.
“Xhaka never left the front of the back four, (Aaron) Ramsey went off and did what he did – they didn’t play Sanchez, they didn’t play Ozil and it worked.
“Ozil has to conform to what’s happening with the team. As an attacking force, he’s wonderful but when you lose the ball, you need to lose it as eleven, not ten and that’s what happens.”
Ozil was sidelined for Arsenal’s 3-1 win over FC Koln and draw with Arsenal due to a knee injury. The 28-year-old is expected to return to Arsenal’s starting lineup on Monday night when they take on West Brom.
Arsenal currently sit in 12th place with seven points after five games. West Brom meanwhile sit in tenth place and are without a win in their last four games.
