Mesut Ozil can be worth 30 points a season to Arsenal, says compatriot Per Mertesacker

Worth the wait: Ozil has been outstanding in his third season at Arsenal
James Benge19 April 2016

Per Mertesacker believes Mesut Ozil could be worth as many as 30 points to Arsenal when he is at his peak.

Ozil has been nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year after a third season at Arsenal that has unquestionably been his best since his £42.5million arrival from Real Madrid in 2013.

Having contributed a league high 18 assists, only two fewer than Thierry Henry’s Premier League record tally, and six goals to Arsenal’s title challenge Ozil cannot be accused of falling short as his side’s title challenge has faltered over recent months.

After his first two seasons at the club many supporters and pundits were concerned that Ozil was too peripheral to the course of games but his compatriot and fellow World Cup winner never doubted the playmaker would come good after two injury-hit seasons at the Emirates.

“I felt that when he was fit, he would be at his best - that was my prediction,” Mertesacker told the club website. “I hoped that he would stay fit so we would get the best out of him, that was just my simple idea. You could feel he would help us win games.

“He is [progressing], especially in the final third. We try to give him the ball to make the final decision or make the final ball because we know that is where he is at his best.

PFA Player of the Year shortlist

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“When he fulfils his potential, he has 20-plus assists in him and has even got the ability of scoring 10-plus goals. When he can be difference between 30-plus points, it is vital for the team.”

The contracts of both Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are set to expire in little over two years’ time. Whilst Arsenal remain confident that the pair will commit their future to the club rumours have swirled over the possible departure of one or both of the Gunners’ star names.

Ozil has even felt compelled to reaffirm his commitment to the club and Mertesacker is confident his team-mate is happy at Arsenal.

“I think he realises he can now grow here, even in a foreign country,” he added. “He gets the respect now and it is going to be even tougher for him. Everyone tries to block his left foot because he is so dangerous with it.

“Now he needs to find different spots and positions where he can find solutions but I’m convinced he can take this challenge to be at his best and the player we need him to be.”

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