Arsenal’s towering centre-back Per Mertesacker has heaped praise on his teammate Mesut Ozil and stated that the Germany international has a ‘big season’ in front of him.
Arsenal’s vice-captain went onto say that it is important for Ozil to avoid any further injuries this season.
“He is one of our key players,” Mertesacker 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.”
Mertesacker provided one assist and scored two goals for Arsenal in 48 appearances in all competitions last season. The former Germany international has two years remaining on his contract with the Gunners.
Both Özil and Mertesacker are currently in Singapore on tour with Arsenal. The Gunners face Everton in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy on Saturday.
The 26-year-old playmaker joined Arsenal two summers ago from Real Madrid for a record £42.5 million transfer fee. The former Real Madrid star has won two Vitality Arsenal Player of the Month and a PFA Fans Player of the Month award since the turn of the year.
The World Cup winner provided nine assists and five goals in 32 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions last season.
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