Barcelona star Lionel Messi hails “brilliant” Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil

FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi had kind words for Arsenal summer signing Mesut Ozil and Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie – each nominated for the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi has expressed his admiration for Arsenal summer signing Mesut Ozil and Manchester United forward Robin Van Persie – each nominated alongside him for the FIFA Ballon d’Or.


The Argentine superstar is amongst the three favourites to lift the award in January alongside Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich, but took time to hail some of the Premier League’s talents.

“Ozil is such a brilliant and creative player,” said Messi of Arsenal’s new fans’ favourite to the Daily Mirror.
“Germany has produced a lot of excellent players. The great thing for them is that they are all very young and have a long future with the national team.

“But in my opinion Ozil is by far the best.”
Messi also had kind words for Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie.

“Van Persie is the complete player, continued the mercurial Barca star.
“He has the entire package. He is a good footballer, but he scores loads of goals at the same time.