Wenger: Mesut Ozil is developing into a midfield leader

Posted Tuesday, May 05, 2015 by squawka.com

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised the form of Mesut Ozil since the turn of the year, saying that the German is now becoming more of a midfield leader, as reported by the Star.

Ozil is Arsenal’s record signing with the club having paid £42.4 million (BBC) to sign him from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.

He struggled to make an impact after a good early start with the physical demands of the Premier League taking their toll.

Earlier this season he was out injured for some time and he used that period to bulk up and in 2015 he has been one of the team’s key players, something that hasn’t escaped Wenger.

''I believe as well that some players who were questioned, like Ozil, have made big improvements in the second part of the season,

''He gets slowly the leader you want him to be in guiding our game.”

Despite playing in just 17 games this season Ozil has created 46 chances, which only Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez can beat within players at the club.

He has often been criticised for his perceived lack of work-rate but recent data from the Premier League revealed that in fact he is one of the more hard working players in the league.

Ozil will be hoping that he can help the Gunners win their second trophy in as many seasons when they face Aston Villa in the FA Cup final later this month.