Per Mertesacker is tipping Mesut Ozil to excel during 2015/16.

The playmaker has had a fine calendar year, with highlights including winning the FA Cup for the second successive season and captaining Germany for the first time.

Ozil’s fine form has impressed Arsène Wenger, who says the 26-year-old has a “big season” in front of him. Mertesacker agrees with his manager.

"When he came back from injury, you could see how important he is for us as a team with his key passes" Per Mertesacker

“He is one of our key players,” Arsenal’s vice-captain told Arsenal Player.

“Him in good fitness, him at his best - there’s a lot more to come from him and the second part of last season when he came back from injury, you could see how important he is for us as a team with his key passes, being in between the lines and always carrying a threat to the opponent.

“We need to find him and make him better, then he can show his real potential.

“The key will be not to get any injuries or niggles. He’s a good player when he’s fully fit but obviously he needs to gain that little extra, that confidence, to play his best.

“We will see - I’m pretty confident that he has his best and his first full season in front of him.”

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