The German playmaker clearly feels he is not such a dying breed after all (Pictures: Getty Images)Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil has aimed a subtle dig at critics who believe the No.10 role is dead in modern football as he praised the impact of young teammate Emile Smith Rowe. Arsenal struggled for creativity in the absence of Ozil for much of the season, but in recent weeks Smith Rowe has stepped in to fill the void with several excellent performances. Smith Rowe was the difference-maker again against Newcastle in the FA Cup (Picture: Getty)While Ozil was full of praise for a player fans have dubbed the ‘Croydon Kevin De Bruyne’ he could not resist highlighting the fact that Smith Rowe plays in a role that some people believe has become outdated. AdvertisementAdvertisementAsked for his thoughts on Arsenal’s 20-year-old playmaker during a Twitter Q&A, Ozil replied: ‘He made the difference in the last couple of games as a No.10. It’s kicked out players like Ozil.’Ozil also praised Smith Rowe earlier this year after his fine display against West Brom, tweeting: ‘Nice game my boys!

Source: Metro January 12, 2021 09:02 UTC