Trevor Sinclair hopes the exciting new additions to Arsenal’s squad can help Mesut Ozil rediscover his enthusiasm for football.
A new-look Gunners side take on Burnley at the Emirates this lunchtime – live on talkSPORT – and Ozil remains absent from the squad following a combination of security concerns and illness.
With the likes of Dani Ceballos arriving at the club, Ozil would’ve hoped to prove his worth from the start of the new Premier League season, but he was forced to miss the opening day victory over Newcastle after being caught up in a north London gang war alongside Sead Kolasinac.
The former Germany international has been questioned in recent seasons for his performance levels, but Sinclair believes the new signings can inspire Ozil to reach his best.
“Sometimes people look at Ozil and say, ‘He’s too laid back, he’s this, he’s that’,” the ex-England winger told talkSPORT.com.
“There are a lot of negative things said about Ozil, but for me, he’s got quality.
“When new players come into a squad that bring quality to the table, that could inspire him and captivate his enthusiasm for the game.
“I hope it does, because I’ve been a big fan of his, and at times I think he looks like he’s not bothered because of the way he strolls around the pitch and his mannerisms.
“Believe me, he wouldn’t be at the top if he wasn’t bothered. I just hope these new players inspire him to find himself again.”
Ceballos, the Spain Under-21 midfielder, has been handed a debut start in the Premier League for the visit of Burnley on Saturday.
And Sinclair believes the Real Madrid loanee could be the pick of Arsenal’s summer signings.
“The jury is still out on Pepe, because I haven’t seen him do it in the Premier League yet,” Sinclair added.
LIVE on talkSPORT
talkSPORT is your home of live football! Here’s what’s coming up this week…
- Arsenal vs Burnley (Saturday, 12.30pm) – talkSPORT
- Sunderland vs Portsmouth (Saturday, 12.30pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Norwich City vs Newcastle United (Saturday, 3pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (Saturday, 5.30pm) – talkSPORT
- Reading vs Cardiff City (Sunday, 12pm) – talkSPORT 2
“Ceballos is an unbelievable talent and I can’t wait for him to get going.
“Brace yourselves. He is going to get bums off seats, for sure.
“He’s so clever, one of the brightest players I’ve seen and if he can deal with the intensity of the Premier League, I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be a hit at Arsenal.
“When you’re a young player, you’re fearless. You do feel you could be the difference. I honestly believe he’s a really special player.”
Saturday is GameDay on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 as we become your go to destination for all the Premier League action. We’ll bring you LIVE commentary of Premier League games across all three time slots on Saturday – 12.30pm, 3pm and 5.30pm – starting with Arsenal vs Burnley.
