Mesut Ozil is a ‘magician’ like Dennis Bergkamp, claims Arsenal legend Robert Pires
The German schemer has divided opinions among the Gunners faithful during his five years at the Emirates, but the Frenchman reckons he's on par with the Dutch master
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MESUT OZIL has been hailed a “magician” and compared to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp by the Dutchman’s old team-mate Robert Pires.
Ozil, 30, has divided opinions among the Gunners faithful since his move from Real Madrid five years ago has struggled to hold down a regular place this term under Unai Emery.
But Pires, 45, who played for Arsenal for five years, is a fully paid-up member of Team Ozil.
He told : "He hasn’t started many games (recently) because he's been injured with a small back problem. But now, the most important thing is to see Mesut in the line-up.
"He’s very clever, he can make good assists and sometimes he can score.
"For me, he’s like Dennis Bergkamp, he’s a magician, a maestro.
"Of course, he’s not a warrior, like Dennis... or like me. But in the team, you need everything. And when you have Mesut, he’s important."
Pires insists Emery is putting his mark on the club after more than two decades of Arsene Wenger.
After finishing sixth last year, Arsenal are in the mix for a Champions League spot and face Napoli in the Europa League quarter-finals next month.
He added: "I think since the beginning, he’s done well.
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"It was very difficult for him because a lot of people, fans, media, they compared him to Wenger.
"I think he's put something new in the dressing room, he’s more strict.
“Of course, it’s totally different for the players, but he’s put in good rules for the team, and it’s good because he has kept the same Arsenal philosophy."
