Michael Ballack admitted that he doesn’t know what is really wrong with under-fire Mesut Ozil.
The German international put in a poor display in a crucial game against Borussia Dortmund in midweek which lead to a disappointing 2-0 defeat.
The 25-year old was anonymous and virtually coasted through the game, this has caused extensive criticism on the player who has been a shadow of himself in the last three games he has played for Arsenal.
Ballack believes Ozil is not playing like the Ozil that lit up Real Madrid just 18 months ago.
“What’s happened with him? I don’t know,” he said on Sky Sports.
“There must be something behind [the scenes] because his head is mostly down, the body language is not improving even with the world champion [medal] in the pocket.
“I don’t really know what’s happened over the last year since he moved from Madrid to Arsenal.
“A player like him with his ability should have tried to stay longer at Real Madrid. That is my opinion. You could see there was a little bit trouble, a little bit moaning. I think he played well but you need time to adapt at a club.”
Ballack understands that there are ups and downs in careers of every athlete but he doesn’t the player’s obvious lack of reaction.
“A player like him with his ability should show a reaction but he never was the strongest player in terms of fighting, body language.
“That’s his weakness – especially in these situations now when he can’t use his technique and his vision.”