'Mesut Ozil is the best player I’ve ever seen'

The German playmaker may be out of favor at Arsenal, but his talent still commands a level of respect over in north London.

Young Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard rates Mesut Ozil as the most talented player he has ever seen in action, and described what it’s like to train alongside the German.

If reports are correct, Ozil could be entering his final days as a Gunner. He has been out of the squad for almost a year, having last played in a 1-0 win over West Ham back in March 2019, and could leave before his contract expires in June. Fenerbahce and DC United have both been tipped for winter moves.

Mesut Özil is the only player to have recorded the most assists for the season in the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Euros and the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/El2LxL1deb

— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) January 8, 2021

It would mark a sad end to a career that had promised to be so much more at Arsenal. But with a decision expected to be made soon on whether Ozil leaves in January or in the summer, one youngster has hailed the midfielder’s talent.

“I always say Ozil is the best I’ve ever seen live or trained with,” Ballard, who is on loan at League One side Blackpool, told Goal.

“It’s like he sees everything in slow motion. The way he moves and flows with the ball is so natural.

“You can’t predict what he is going to do and you can’t switch off for one second or leave half a meter gap by being a bit lazy because he will pass the ball straight through it.

“Some of his touches and weight off pass, I’ve just never seen it before.”

Ozil has managed 44 goals and 77 assists in 254 appearances for Arsenal, winning four FA Cup titles in the process.