Arsene Wenger defends Mesut Oezil's performance
Arsene Wenger has defended Mesut Oezil from his critics, insisting that the club record signing is a key team player.
The German midfielder, who cost the Gunners £42.5 million ($87.2m) to prise him away from Real Madrid last year, has been attracting criticism of late for failing to inspire the north London club with better performances.
Ahead of Arsenal's trip to Oezil's homeland to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday morning (Singapore time), Wenger has hit out at those targeting the 25-year-old and insisted that they re-watch the club's 2-2 draw against Manchester City to see his virtues.
Played well
The French boss said: "People always have this kind of attitude about him. He worked hard against City and he played quite well.
"You see a good Oezil when you watch the game again. Then you realise his timing, his quality of the pass and something you can be frustrated during the game but you must not overreact.
"When you watch the game in a cool manner, you see what a good player he is. I have so many offensive players. I give him freedom to play outside and inside and he likes that.
"It is not easy but Oezil is a team player and he takes it very well."
Source: PA Sport
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