German legend Stefan Effenburg says Steven Gerrard’s recent criticism of Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil was fully justified.

The former Liverpool star questioned Mesut Ozil’s desire after Arsenal fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Stoke City during August, calling him a “liability” away from home.

Ozil has been blasted by numerous former Arsenal stars for his lazy style of play and his refusal to sign a contract extension.

Effenburg has now added his thoughts to the debate and says Ozil deserves all the criticism that has come his way.

“I have seen matches with Mesut where I say: ‘he must do more’, he wrote in his column for t-online.

“I remember those matches against Bayern in the Champions League. He disappointed many people there – including (Germany manager) Joachim Low,”

“Steven Gerrard said he would let his team down and be a burden in matches away from home. You can’t say he is completely wrong. Ozil has to see and realise that.

“It is not like he is 20 years old and a young player. He turns 29 in October.

“You wait for an improvement in that area for years. You hoped there would be a development, but it hasn’t happened.”