Ozil happy to hold for Germany

Mesut Ozil says he was happy to play in a deeper midfield role for Germany in their friendly win over Italy.

With Euro 2016 edging ever closer, boss Joachim Low opted to try something different with the world champions in the wake of a 3-2 defeat to England in Berlin last weekend.

Low sent his side out with three at the back and both Ozil and fellow midfielder Toni Kroos deployed in deep holding roles when the home side did not have the ball in Munich.

Goals from Kroos and Mario Gotze put Germany in control at 2-0 with Jonas Hector and Ozil ensuring they avoided a repeat of their English collapse as they eased to a 4-1 success.

Ozil says he still considers himself a No.10 first and foremost but he admits it was enjoyable playing deeper.

The Arsenal man says there is less pressure when you are gathering possession in your own half.

“I enjoyed playing as a ‘sixer,'” Ozil told kicker. “It’s a touch easier in that position because you have more time than as playmaker, where you always have two or three opponents around you.”

Whether or not he will play a similar role in France this summer is up to Low but Ozil would have no problem playing deeper at the Euro Finals.

“You’d have to ask him [Low], he calls the shots,” Ozil said. “I have played on that position for Real Madrid a couple of times, and I have now also shown I can play there. But my position definitely is at No.
10.”

Germany are 4.50 to win Euro 2016 while Italy are 17.00 in the wake of their resounding loss in Munich.