Michael Ballack: Mesut Ozil has not been the same player since his Arsenal move; concerned by his performances

Mesut Ozil has failed to play well regularly, says Michael Ballack

Germany legend Michael Ballack has revealed that he is worried Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil will not be able to perform at the World Cup in Brazil.

The 25-year-old completed a club record £42.4 million move to north London from Spanish giants Real Madrid last summer but has failed to fulfil his potential.

Although he began his career in England’s top tier in blistering fashion, during the second half of the campaign the level of his displays dropped dramatically and he was widely criticised for his role in the Gunners’ lack of form.

Ozil’s lack of confidence and self belief have now been transferred into Germany’s team and Ballack believes his compatriot has not been the same since he swapped the Bernabeu for the Emirates stadium.

“It’s difficult to say where his head is going to be at the World Cup.

“He has done well for Germany and he played well during the qualifying campaign but in the last few months – since his move to Arsenal – he has not been the same player, in terms of his confidence, that we used to see in the national team.”

“I don’t know whether the Arsenal move has affected him because he was untouchable and in Germany we still expect him to be one of our best players,” he told reporters.

Ozil’s substitution during a recent World Cup warm up match was met with boos from the home crowd, who have started to turn on a player that used to be one of their favourite sons.

“As one of our best players he has to take more responsibility, and we expect more from him at the moment. Hopefully, when the World Cup starts, we will see a different player.

“I saw him play for the national team at the weekend and I was not surprised, not scared, but a little bit concerned, by his performances,” Ballack declared.

Germany have been drawn in a difficult group with Portugal, Ghana and USA.