Alex Iwobi feels the criticism levelled against his teammate Mesut Ozil is unjustified, stating that the German is not appreciated by Arsenal fans reports Completesports.com.
Ozil has been heavily criticised for his poor work rate, lack of courage and passion as Arsenal fight for a return to the Uefa Champions League after a three-year absence.
But the Nigerian international sees the 30-year-old as a great player and a hard worker.
Ozil has scored four goals and provided four assists for Unai Emery’s men in 20 Premier League games so far this campaign.
“Fans sometimes don’t appreciate what he gives to the team,” Iwobi told the Sun.
“Mesut is a great player and he also works hard off the ball. I don’t know the stats but with Mesut in the team, you are always going to get at least three chances a game from him.
“He always provides an excellent pass or something, a good move or play that leads to a goal, or almost leads to a goal.”
The Gunners are currently sixth in the league standings with three points adrift of the top-four spot.
They visit the Stadio San Paolo for the second leg of their Uefa Europa League quarter-final fixture against Napoli on Thursday with the ambition of securing a semi-final berth after grabbing a 2-0 advantage last week.
“There is a lot more fight in us this season. There is a lot more intensity,” Iwobi continued.
“So even though it’s been up and down this season, there are a lot more pros than maybe the previous one.”
Iwobi has played 39 matches across all competitions this season with four goals and six assists to his credit.
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