“He is an outstandingly skilled boy” – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp defends Arsenal playmaker

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has defended Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil against a barrage of recent criticism.

The Germany international was slammed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown following the Gunners 1-0 defeat to Stoke last week.

However, Klopp has stated that he does not understand why Ozil is regularly made a scapegoat in England.

“I remember the 3-3 we played against Arsenal here. Without Ozil and Olivier Giroud, we would have won 3-0. One long ball, Giroud gave it to Mesut and it was five players on him, no chance. He is an outstandingly skilled boy,” Klopp was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

“I don’t watch Arsenal often enough to be right to have an opinion about it. If people are not happy with him, I don’t know why.

“There is no doubt in Germany about the quality of Mesut Ozil. Germany is really blessed with a lot of world-class players in his position and he is a fix in the German national team, so that should be a sign.”

Ozil played the full 90 minutes during Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool on Sunday. The 28-year-old issued an apology to Arsenal fans following the game.

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The Gunners find themselves in 15th spot in the Premier League following two defeats and one victory after three games.

Ozil’s future at Arsenal is growing increasingly uncertain. The World Cup winner has under 12-months remaining on his contract. Bundesliga giants Dortmund have been linked with the star playmaker.

Liverpool meanwhile find themselves in second place in the League. The Reds face a tough fixture against their title rivals Man City on September 9.