£47m Man City star urges England not underestimate out-of-form Arsenal star

Germany national team

£47m Man City star John Stones urges England not underestimate out-of-form Arsenal star

Manchester City defender John Stones has urged England not to underestimate Mesut Ozil this week.

Germany host England at the Signal Iduna Park in an international friendly this week. Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has been called up despite missing the weekend defeat to West Brom.

The 28-year-old pulled out of the clash with West Brom due to a hamstring problem. However, Ozil angered Wenger by accepting a call to the national team. The former Real Madrid star is expected to feature against England this week.

More: For Mesut Ozil news and everything you want to know about the Arsenal star

Ozil has been in poor form for Arsenal this season and hasn’t scored a goal since December. John Stones has however urged caution.

“The top teams and top players can turn it on,” Stones told the Standard Sport.

“You don’t lose that sort of quality. You have always got to be aware of those sort of players and show them respect but definitely go out and show them what we can do. 

“The top players are there and have won things because they are there and have done it in the past.

“It is great for us as players when you get the opportunity to play against them to show it on the big stage. It is not just Ozil [England need to be wary of].

“They have got top players in the Premier League and the Bundesliga as well.”

Stones joined Manchester City from Everton last summer for £47.5m (BBC)

Ozil’s contract with Arsenal expires in under 18-months. The Germany international has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer.

The 28-year-old has provided nine assists and scored nine goals in 31 apperances for Arsenal this season.