Philipp Lahm labels Ozil 'most intelligent player in Europe'

Mesut Ozil scored the second goal for Arsenal in their 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich last month

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has labelled Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil ‘the most intelligent player in Europe’ ahead of their Champions League match on Wednesday, Mirror reported. Lahm has paid the ultimate compliment to his compatriot and credits his quality as the main reason for the team's success this season.

The 27-year-old midfielder has endured two difficult seasons at Arsenal ever since his £43-million move to Emirates Stadium from Real Madrid in 2013. Despite making a lively start in the early stages of his first campaign, Ozil delivered underwhelming performances for his side and he was shell-shocked by the level of criticism he had received in his first two seasons in the Premier League.

But the former Real Madrid star is now finally starting to show his class on a consistent basis and he has become central to Gunners’ domestic league title challenge this season. So far, Ozil has added a total of nine assists to his name – more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.

The German international even scored the winner in his side’s 2-0 victory to Bayern last month and Arsene Wenger will be hoping he turns on the show at Allianz Arena on Wednesday night. Ozil’s compatriot Lahm, has nothing but high regard for the Arsenal player and has claimed it was ‘always going to take him time to settle in English football’.

“Mesut is probably the most intelligent player I have ever played with, he is probably the most intelligent player in Europe today.” Former Germany captain said.

“Mesut sees things only he can — his vision is as good as I have ever seen. It was laughable when he was being questioned after his move to Arsenal. It doesn’t matter how good you are, everybody needs time to settle in a new league.”

“Especially a league like England, where you don’t get as much time on the ball, and of course the game is a lot more physical. People don’t necessarily understand his game, he isn’t there to run at players or even beat them, he is far more intelligent than that.”

“He finds space and creates chances for his team mates, and you only need to look at the assist table to understand there is nobody better than him at that.”

Arsenal are serious about their title challenge this season: Lahm

The visiting team are enjoying a good run of form in the domestic league and Lahm believes much of Arsenal’s success is due to Ozil’s rise to prominence. The North London club are level on points with Manchester City in the league table and the German full-back believes Ozil’ s side can mount a serious title challenge this season.

“[Arsenal] are seriously challenging Manchester City for the title in England, and even after a poor start in Europe they can challenge for the Champions League.” he said.

“We don't get beaten often, but we did in London. That would have given Arsenal confidence, and I am sure they now have the belief they can come to Munich and get a good result.”