Champions League: Stopping 'individualist' Mesut Ozil the priority when Bayern Munich play Arsenal, reveals Manuel Neuer

The sides meet in the last-16 of the competition next year, and the Germany keeper admits Arsenal were the team they wanted to avoid in the draw

Mesut Ozil (Getty Images)

Stopping Mesut Ozil will be Bayern Munich’s priority when the newly crowned World Champions confront Arsenal in the Champions League round of sixteen, according to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The Germany number one believes the two sides are evenly matched but singles out his compatriot as the man most likely to upset the serial silverware winners of 2013 in their bid to retain the European title.

“Mesut Ozil is the player that can make the difference in a match that’s 50/50,” Neuer told The Independent following Bayern’s triumph over Raja Casablanca at the Club World Cup in Marrakech.

“He’s an important player for Arsenal because he’s an individualist. He can win a game with one action.”

The former Schalke keeper was disappointed to learn of Bayern’s pairing with Arsenal, particularly after the Bundesliga champions had come through what was considered to be the toughest group phase section.

“Arsenal was the hardest team we could get for the next round and it’s the type of game that will have the character of a final,” the 27-year-old said.

The London side have already made a statement in Germany this season by defeating last year’s European runners up Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion.

However, Bayern midfielder Thomas Muller is confident the German side can repeat last season’s dispatch of the London side.

“I don’t know if Arsenal will be harder than Manchester City, it will be different. Of course Arsenal have improved, but we have improved too.”