Mesut Ozil has come in for huge amounts of criticism in recent weeks (Picture: Getty)
Mesut Ozil has come in for huge amounts of criticism in recent weeks (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has admitted defending is his biggest weakness and says he’s ‘not the type of player’ to chase after opponents.

The German’s come in for strong criticism in recent weeks after a series of below-par performances.

Ozil’s dip has coincided with Arsenal’s poor run with the Gunners losing six of their last nine matches in all competitions.

The 28-year-old was blasted for his defending in defeats to Everton and Manchester City in December and he’s admitted it’s not in his nature to think defensively.

Ozil has 14 months to run on his Arsenal deal (Picture: Getty)
Ozil has 14 months to run on his Arsenal deal (Picture: Getty)

‘I’m not the type of player to chase after the ball the whole time, everyone knows that,’ Ozil told SportBild.

‘My potential lies far more on the offensive side.

‘I’m supposed to be dangerous, create chances, score goals. When I don’t get the ball, that’s difficult.’

Ozil had started the season in good form but he’s yet to score a goal in 2017 and he’s admitted his performances have dipped.

‘I started strongly but – like the team in general – have not kept up my performance,’ the German continued.

‘When it isn’t going well overall it is twice as hard for a creative player. Take the games against Bayern, for instance.’

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