'I’m not the type to chase after the ball' - Arsenal star Ozil discusses his strengths

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil acknowledges that he needs possession to be “dangerous”, but says he will not “chase after the ball the whole time”.

The Germany international is considered to be one of the finest playmakers in world football, with his creative ability beyond question.

He is, however, not renowned for his work rate or a desire to get stuck in when the studs are flying.

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The 28-year-old admits as much, with his greatest contribution made when on the ball rather than looking to win it back.

He told Sport Bild: “I’m not the type of player to chase after the ball the whole time, everyone knows that.

“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.”

Arsenal could, however, do with a few dogs of war at present, as their 2016-17 campaign continues to slide down a slippery slope.

Following a positive opening to the season, the Gunners have hit a serious slump which is threatening to undermine their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Standards have been allowed to dip across the board, with Ozil conceding that his form over recent weeks has mirrored that of Arsene Wenger’s side as a collective.

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He added: “I started strongly but – like the team in general – have not kept up my performance.

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

Ozil had netted nine times for Arsenal by mid-December, but he has failed to add to that tally since and continues to operate amid intense speculation regarding his future – with his current contract set to expire in 2018.