Mesut Ozil 'International Class' but Not 'World Class', Says German Magazine

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has been named the best German playing abroad by native magazine Kicker.

The influential publication has released its latest German football rankings, placing players into four different categories: world class, international class, players of note and players in focus.

Ozil is the only name playing away from the Bundesliga to make it into either of the top two categories, putting him ahead of Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

"The midfield star just missed out on the world class category due to his weak start to the season," explained Kicker (via Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN.com).

The Arsenal midfielder has scored three times and provided 16 assists for the Gunners so far this season, playing an integral role in their climb to the top of the Premier League table.

[h/t ESPN.com, Kicker]