Johnson: Emery MUST find space for 'genius' Ozil in his Arsenal team

Mesut Ozil remains one of the Premier League's best players and MUST be found a role in the Arsenal team, believes Glen Johnson.



The German playmaker is yet to play in the Premier League this season following a disrupted start to the campaign.

Ozil missed the Gunners' opener against Newcastle over concerns for his security, was ruled out of games against Burnley and Liverpool with illness and was then included in the matchday squad for the north London derby against Tottenham, but was left on the bench by Unai Emery.

The 30-year-old doesn't appear to be in the manager's good books, having been in and out of the Arsenal team throughout the Spaniard's first campaign in charge at the Emirates.

But Johnson believes Ozil is a 'genius' player and has urged Emery to resolve his issues with the midfielder and find a place for him in the starting XI.

“He's one of the best players in the Premier League, I really believe that,” the former Liverpool and England defender told talkSPORT host Jim White.

“He's a genius.

“He's clearly got issues with something within the club, whether it's the manager or even something else behind the scenes, I don't know.

“But, for me, they've got to do what they can to resolve the issue and try and get him in the team.”