‘He has played for Real Madrid’ – Theo Walcott backs under-fire Arsenal star

England international Theo Walcott has heaped praise on Mesut Ozil.

The 28-year-old played a staring role in the Gunners 3-0 win over West Ham United on Wednesday.

Ozil scored his sides opening goal and provided an assist for Walcott.

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

Walcott stated that Ozil is returning to form and that the goal will help his confidence. The former Southampton player went onto state that Ozil has a wealth of experience and that he has been working hard in training.

“You could see it was slowly starting to come. Goals always breed confidence in players but Mesut is a fantastic player,” Walcott told the Daily Star.

“He has played for Real Madrid, is a World Cup winner and has been through a lot of ups and downs so there is nothing he can’t come back from.

“He has put his head down, worked hard in training and the rewards showed today, as simple as that.”

Ozil has been criticised in recent weeks by the likes of Gary Neville and Graham Souness.

Ozil has now scored ten goals and has provided 11 assists in 33 games this season. The 28-year-old is short of the 19 assists he racked up in the Premier League last term.

Arsenal are back in the hunt for a top-four finish following Wednesday night’s victory. The north London based club are four points behind City with a game in hand.

Wenger’s side will be looking to keep record back to back wins when they take on Crystal Palace this weekend.

Palace were defeated on Wednesday but have won four of their last five games in the league.