Mesut Ozil: Paul Scholes entitled to make 'failure' comments

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil hopes to use criticism from former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes to inspire him to win the Ballon d'Or.

Scholes, a television pundit with BT Sport and columnist for The Independent and The Evening Standard, has continually attacked the Gunners midfielder for a series of uncertain displays this season.

The former England international and United legend said Ozil took the easy way out in joining Arsenal from Real Madrid for £42m and labelled his performance against Monaco in the Champions League as another "failure" of his North London career.

"He's entitled to say that," Ozil responded to German newspaper Sport Bild. "He wants to polarise as a pundit on TV. But in the end, such statements only give me an extra push."

During an injury ravaged campaign, Ozil has scored just four goals and made five assists in 20 Arsenal appearances this term; a paltry return for a player who became the cub's record signing in the summer of 2013.

The signing of Alexis Sanchez and form of Olivier Giroud has also raised questions over Ozil's long-term role in the Arsenal first team with positions running out for him to fill.

However, the Germany World Cup winner is ready to rise above such concerns and admits he wants to be in contention for the Ballon d'Or, won in each of the last seven years by either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Should I continue to improve myself and stay healthy, I want to get my hands on the Ballon d'Or in the upcoming years," Ozil added. "I am convinced that it can work out. I am headed in the right direction.

"I am a world champion and play at a top club in the Premier League. It's far more physical here [England] than in Spain or in the Bundesliga. I constantly have bruises, but it only makes me stronger, and physically I feel better than ever before."