Ander Herrera says Ozil 'isn't so consistent'

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has weighed in ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash between Arsenal and Barcelona, and though his evaluation of the former was generally flattering, his opinion of Mesut Ozil is less so.

Lambasted in the past for appearing at times disinterested and lazy on the pitch, Ozil has enjoyed a standout season with the Gunners, notching 17 assists for the club - three short of Thierry Henry's Premier League record with 12 matches remaining.

While that tired narrative has all but become a thing of the past, Herrera has started less than half of United's matches this season. Still, he's revived that Ozil storyline ahead of Tuesday's tilt at the Emirates Stadium.

"Arsenal have (Francis) Coquelin, Ozil… Mesut isn't so consistent, but he makes the difference when he's on his day," Herrera told Spanish mag Marca, courtesy of Sky Sports.

He added, "For me there's only one (Andres) Iniesta. I love playing against him, to tell my grandchildren in the future, but I suffer as a rival."

While it's impossible to argue with Herrera's assessment of Iniesta, one of this generation's best midfielders, his quotes on the World Cup-winning Ozil are a bit mystifying.

Herrera may still have nightmares of facing the Blaugrana during spells in La Liga with Real Zaragoza and Athletic Bilbao, and despite not fancying Ozil, he appears to think Arsenal has a shot against the Catalan giants and defending Champions League winners.

"I think Arsenal, besides having many good footballers, they believe in themselves this season, both in the Premier League as in the Champions League. They've been winning cups and they are better now."