Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes midfielder Mesut Ozil must show he is willing to work hard for the team on a regular basis. The TV pundit thinks the German has been given too much leeway in the past because of the talent he possesses.

The 31-year-old has only made two appearances this season, which manager Unai Emery puts down to his performances in training, and Keown says it’s important that the midfielder shows he is putting in the effort before being allowed back into the team:

“He has only been given another opportunity with Emery because it looks like he has started to work hard again. I believe he has been over-indulged in the past. It’s embarrassing for the football club that he is not featuring.”

“The manager has to get him back into the team but if his attitude drops again then big decisions need to be made.”

Earlier this week, Ozil was adamant that he wasn’t leaving the Emirates despite his lack of game time. The playmaker also insisted that he wouldn’t change his style of play, especially because it had proven to be so successful in the past.

Whether the midfielder’s comments will impact Emery’s decision to start him, we shall have to wait and see. Arsenal’s next game is against Sheffield United on Monday night.