Arsene Wenger has compared Mesut Ozil’s to Dennis Bergkamp for his quiet influence on the Arsenal dressing room.

The Germany international has been in sensational form this season, scoring three times in the Premier League and claiming 16 assists.

Wenger is delighted with Ozil’s performances, and says his character off the pitch reminds him of a certain legendary Dutch forward.

"He's not an extrovert, as you know. But you don't win by coincidence and he has won in his career. He's demanding from his partners" Arsene Wenger

“Yes, he's a bit like [Bergkamp],” he said. “Not that guy who stands up and speaks too much but every time he says something, it is straight to the point.

“He's has a big influence. He's not an extrovert, as you know. But you don't win by coincidence and he has won in his career. He's demanding from his partners.

“Per is [also] very important in that. He's a very important leader in the dressing room - and a respected one as well. He maintains focus and wants to do well. He's one of the guys who can help us.

“Experience helps but what will help more than anything is the quality of our performances and I think Sunday is a big one for us on that front.”

Wenger says the unity of the squad could prove decisive in the Premier League title race - with the older players responsible for maintaining this togetherness.

“The qualities that have come out of our team until now are especially mental,” he said. “To keep that spirit will certainly be vital for us because every game is very tight.

“I believe we have a strong spirit but spirit is a bit like the weather in England. It can change very quickly. And we have to care of that.

“It is something that is very fragile, to maintain that under pressure, disappointments, injuries, that is our task. That's why all the older players have this kind of responsibility to take care of our unity.”