Borussia Dortmund v Arsenal: Mesut Ozil is good enough to win the Ballon d'Or, says Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
However, the Gunners' manager does not expect the Germany international to win it this year, despite his fine form
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The sense that Arsenal cannot believe their luck at signing Mesut Ozil continues with Arsene Wenger stating the club have a future world player of the year winner on their hands.
The Germany international is among the 23 nominees for this year's Fifa Ballon d'Or - the highest individual prize in football. And while Wenger admits the £42.5m signing is not "one of the favourites" this time around, he does back the 25-year-old to win it in the future.
“Is he good enough to win it in the future? I think, yes,” Wenger said.
“What he brings to the team is exceptional technical quality, his vision, his absolute desire to play collectively with other players in a strong way.
“He is a player who has only one master and that is football. That means he does always what the game demands. His ego does not stand in the way of his game. All the great players have that.”
Ozil has made an immediate impact at the Emirates since his deadline day switch from Real Madrid, with three goals and five assists in his first 11 games for the club. The German's form has been integral in taking the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Tonight, Wenger's side are looking to take a major step on the European front, with perhaps their toughest test of the season so far. They take on last year's Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
The Gunners were beaten 2-1 at the Emirates by Jurgen Klopp's side as Ozil struggled with a virus. The club's record signing is fully fit for tonight's match and Wenger will be hoping the potential future world player of the year can make the difference at the Westfalenstadion.
Follow all of tonight's Champions League action by CLICKING HERE
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments