Shkodran Mustafi says he is 'his own biggest critic' after Arsenal defender's recent woes

Shkodran Mustafi insists he is not overly concerned about pundits’ assessments of his performance because he is “my own biggest critic”.

The Arsenal centre-back has been widely chastised in recent weeks after a series of errors that cost the Gunners crucial goals. Most significantly he has had major issues defending his near post and in consecutive weeks was outfoxed by Shane Long and Ayoze Perez.

Arsene Wenger leapt to the German international’s defence before Sunday’s win over West Ham, where Mustafi combined the sublime and the scarcely-credible in his defending, at times within a matter of moments.

The German World Cup winner was perhaps guilty of ball-watching for Marko Arnautovic’s equaliser, when he allowed the West Ham forward to drift into space to strike an equaliser that briefly gave the visitors hope of a draw before they went on to lose 4-1.

But Mustafi will not be paying too much attention to any critical write-ups.

“I don’t pay much attention to it as long as it’s not necessary,” the 26-year-old told German publication Kicker. “I’m my own biggest critic. It just happens that some people prefer to talk about the negatives.

“I always have a film playing in my mind. It might be moments from previous games or imagining challenges for the ball. Whatever it is, it helps me concentrate completely on the game.”

Mustafi added: “My season has been a bit like Arsenal’s - peaks and troughs. Recently I’ve been performing [well].

“I’m thankful to play for a club like this. I want to play where I’m happy and I am happy here. Especially as I almost always start when I’m fit.”

His manager may have given him glowing support – Wenger putting the centre-back’s struggles down to him feeling jaded after Europa League games – but Mustafi will soon have to impress Wenger’s replacement, who may be entitled to question whether the former Valencia player has justified the £35million Arsenal invested in him in 2016.

Mustafi offered a glowing tribute to his soon-to-be former manager and joined the chorus of Arsenal players vowing to bow out on a high.

“Arsene Wenger has achieved an unbelievable amount with Arsenal, the club is incredibly grateful,” Mustafi added. “Twenty-two years – nowadays in football that’s pretty much unique. An era is ending.

“I’m extremely grateful that he has believed in me and wanted to bring me here. We obviously want to give him the farewell he deserves. Best case scenario: that will include a trophy.

“All I know is we want to win the Europa League. We have to beat them and I think we can set a great foundation at home to finish the job in the second leg.”