Boateng believes Arsenal are lucky to have Ozil

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has suggested that Arsenal should feel fortunate to have a player of Mesut Ozil’s calibre among their ranks.

Boateng, who did not feature in his side’s 5-1 victory over the Gunners through injury, is a teammate of Ozil’s in the German national side.

The diminutive playmaker, a world cup winner in 2014, has received criticism in recent weeks for contributing just two assists and no goals in his last nine appearances.

But the German defender insists that Ozil’s barren run is something all top players have to contend with from time to time, and admitted that he loves to play alongside his fellow German.

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“He is world class. Every player has a period where everything is not going well.

“He knows this by himself and he will do everything to play well for his team. He’s one of the best players in the world.

“I love to play with him. He’s always trying, he’s always trying, he creates chances, he’s the best passing player I ever saw.

“When he was at Real Madrid, he made the most assists – even at Arsenal – so I think that they are very lucky to have him.”