Mesut Ozil should have stayed at Real Madrid, claims Michael Ballack

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack claimed Mesut
Ozil should have fought harder to stay at Real Madrid.
The 37-year-old was at a loss to explain Ozil's poor form for
Arsenal but suggested that a player of his quality should
have tried harder to remain at the Spanish giants.
Ballack also mentioned that the same old problems were
flaring up for Ozil as, like when he was at Real, the
midfielder has struggled to deal with criticism.
Michael Ballack said a player of Mesut Ozil's quality should
have fought harder to stay at Real Madrid
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: 'What's happened with him?
I don't know. There must be something behind (the scenes)
because his head is mostly down, the body language is not
improving even with the world champion (medal) in the
pocket.
'I don't really know what's happened over the last year since
he moved from Madrid to Arsenal.
'A player like him with his ability should have tried to stay
longer at Real Madrid.
'That is my opinion. You could see there was a little bit
trouble, a little bit moaning. I think he played well but you
need time to adapt at a club.
Ozil has struggled for form since moving from Madrid for
£42.5 and has drawn criticism for his performances
'If there is some ups and downs (at a club) you need to fight
these things.
'And now it's a little bit the same situation. He got criticised
here (at Arsenal), he's not at his best but I don't see a
reaction.
'A player like him with his ability should show a reaction but
he never was the strongest player in terms of fighting, body
language.
'That's his weakness - especially in these situations now
when he can't use his technique and his vision.
Ballack claimed Arsenal fans should trust Wenger's
judgement when it comes to Ozil's position in the team
But Ballack, who himself won 98 caps for Germany, insisted
Ozil was a great player and could get over his rough patch.
Moreover, he insisted that when it comes to Ozil's position,
Arsenal fans should trust Arsene Wenger.
He said: 'When you a buy a player like Ozil you know his
strengths and Arsene Wenger knows I think where he is at
his best.
'If he (wenger) thinks he can help the team more as a No 10
I think he would put him at No 10.
'In his younger ages when he grew up from Schalke and
Werder Bremen he was mostly in the (centre of) midfield so
he felt very comfortable there but in terms of pace he's good
on the side as well.
'But, he needs to learn how to defend as well because on
these winger positions you need to defend.
'At this level, if one player's out you have no chance.'
The former Chelsea man insisted Ozil can play on the wing,
but needs to learn how to defend properly
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