Arsenal legend Paul Merson has hit out at Mesut Özil’s critics and heaped praise on the World Cup winner.

“Mesut Özil is different class. He is world class,” Paul Merson told The Sport Review.

“If he ran around like Alexis Sanchez, everybody would think he’s the best player in the world. Everybody is different.

“But I think he is world class.”

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Özil joined Arsenal for a club record £42.5 million from Real Madrid back in 2013. The Germany international provided nine assists and five goals in 32 appearances this season. Alexis Sanchez joined the Gunners this season and made 12 assists and scored 25 goals in 52 games this season.

The 26-year-old has been in Los Angeles on holiday for the past week and has kept his social media followers updated with his day to day activities.

The Germany international ended the 2014-15 season with his second consecutive FA Cup title.

Arsenal finished the season in third place and will directly qualify to the UEFA Champions League group stages next season.