The £42million German schemer has endured a difficult period with the Gunners and questions have begun to be asked over his international place
Lukas Podolski has backed his Arsenal and Germany teammate Mesut Ozil to rediscover himself following his recent dip in form.
The Gunners record signing following his £42.5million move from Real Madrid in August, Ozil has struggled in recent weeks, having been a major part of the Gunners title and Champions League challenge before Christmas.
As such, there has been plenty of criticism directed in the playmaker's direction, both in England and in his homeland, where there have been discussions over whether he should miss out on a World Cup spot with Die Mannschaft - despite having starred at both the 2010 tournament and the 2012 European Championships.
And Germany boss Joachim Loew has intimated to his squad that no one's place is safe, declaring that "the clock is ticking" in terms of finding form.
However, Ozil's club and international colleague Podolski, a veteran of the international stage with 111 caps, has backed the Germany No.10 to come good and silence his critics.
"Criticism is part and parcel of football," said Podolski.
"I think Mesut is a fantastic player. He's going to give a lot of joy to Arsenal and to Germany.
"He's still young and a good friend of mine. He's played many great games and he will play many more.
"I think some of the criticism was a bit exaggerated and unfair at times."
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