Graeme Souness compares £42m Arsenal record signing to a League One player
Arsenal boss Graeme Souness has compared Mesut Ozil’s form to that of a League One player.
The former Liverpool player and manager criticised Ozil’s lack of consistency. However, Souness outlined that the 28-year-old does have ‘outstanding’ quality and that he would be a frustrating player to manage.
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“He would drive you mad because you know that player has outstanding quality but you’re not seeing it enough.” Souness told SkySports.
“Why do people play for the big clubs? If you play a seven or an eight out of 10 every week, you play for the very best teams. If you’re a five or six you play for the middle teams and below in the Premier League.
“You could watch a game between Rochdale and Bury and come away thinking, ‘That guy could play in the Premier League.’ But he’ll do that twice a season and that’s why he is playing at Rochdale.”
Souness went onto say that Ozil and Arsenal’s lack of consistency is the reason they will not win the Premier League.
“There is no doubting the quality of Mesut Ozil, he is up there with the best on a good day. But does he have enough of those good days? No, he doesn’t.
“And that comes back to Arsenal. Do they have enough good days? No they don’t and that’s why they won’t win this league and are struggling to qualify for the Champions League.”
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester City on Sunday and find themselves in sixth place in the league. The Gunners are seven points behind Man City but do have a game in hand.
Ozil has failed to find the back of the net for Arsenal since December 2016.
The 28-year-old made the move to Arsenal from Real Madrid for a club record £42.4 million (BBC).
Ozil’s contract with the Gunners expires in a little over 12 months.
Arsenal take on their London rivals West Ham United on Wednesday as they look to return to winning ways.
