Playing with outcast Ozil was ‘highlight’ of being an Arsenal player, says Gnabry
German playmaker lauded for his effort in both training and matches as he struggles to force his way into Unai Emery's plans
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MESUT OZIL may be out of Unai Emery's plans for the Arsenal team at the moment, but former teammate Serge Gnabry has spoken of his pleasure in working with the midfielder.
German winger Gnabry came through the Gunners academy and was part of the first-team squad in Ozil's debut season in North London, back in 2013/14.
Arsenal won the FA Cup that year to end the club's nine-year trophy drought and the youngster considered playing alongside his compatriot to be a real highlight.
Gnabry told : "I've already played with many good guys.
"But, if I have to highlight one, I take Mesut Ozil.
"The kind of quality I have seen in his training and in the games at that time was amazing."
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Gnabry left the Premier League for Bundesliga just under three years ago and is now enjoying his first season as a regular in the Bayern Munich squad.
In Bavaria, he has cited the competition among attackers young and old, including Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Kingsley Coman and more, to be key to their success.
He added: "The respect is definitely there, especially off the field.
"On the pitch, Franck and Arjen give their best as I do, Kingsley Coman or Alphonso Davies.
";They also help us with their experience. This is important for young players.
"In the end, it's up to the coach who plays on the weekend. Of course you can see why Franck and Arjen have been at this level for so long and have developed the club."
With seven goals in all competitions, Gnabry has shrugged off the early disappointment of not making it in England to succeed in his homeland.
Meanwhile, Ozil hasn't scored or made an assist for Arsenal in 2019 after going off the boil following a promising start under new coach Emery.