Mesut Ozil says Per Mertesacker’s mental qualities make him a role model for the entire Arsenal squad.

The defender was named vice-captain at the start of the 2014/15 season and has regularly skippered the team in the absence of Mikel Arteta.

Ozil was also a team-mate of Mertesacker at Werder Bremen and says the meticulous way in which his compatriot prepares for matches sets a fine example.

"He’s very focused, very professional. He does his job 100 per cent - he’s not the sort of person who does things by half measures" Mesut Ozil on Per Mertesacker

“I always see Per as a role model,” Ozil told Arsenal Player. “He always gives everything for the team, you can see that he’s determined and wants to be successful. You can sense that on the pitch.

“He’s very focused, very professional. He does his job 100 per cent - he’s not the sort of person who does things by half measures.

“He’s rather the sort of person who, if he has something in his head, wants to see it through. He looks after himself and his diet, and before matches he does his exercises to make sure that he stays fit and doesn’t pick up any injuries.

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“You can see on the pitch that he’s fresh and is always there for everyone.

“We’re just really pleased to have him and you can sense on the pitch that he gives everything for the team.”