Mesut Ozil says it is vital for playmakers to always think about the next pass - even before they receive the ball.

The Germany international returned to action against Stoke City on Sunday after three months on the sidelines, and hopes to be back to his best soon.

The 26-year-old is renowned for the number of assists he provides for his team-mates, and puts it down to his ability to see things before they happen.

"Before you get the ball, you think about where your team-mates and the opposition are likely to be" Mesut Ozil

“Before you get the ball, you think about where your team-mates and the opposition are likely to be,” Ozil told Arsenal Player. “I have an idea of where my team-mates are when I receive possession, and where they could run.

“Of course what happens next depends on them as well as me. If they make runs into space or we think along the same lines, I can play the pass.

“But if I see the gap and they don’t run into it, you can’t play the pass. We have so much quality going forward. We have players with a lot of pace, who think about what’s going to happen and that makes it easier.

“You have to think before you receive the ball, because the game now is so intense and quick. It wouldn’t work otherwise.”