Arsene Wenger hails Mesut Ozil and explains why he is 'vital' to Arsenal

Arsene Wenger (R) congratulates Mesut Ozil (C) on his goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed Mesut Ozil in the wake of Sunday’s 1-1 draw to Tottenham Hotspurs at Emirates Stadium and he believes the German is ‘vital’ to the team, as per the reports on Guardian. Wenger’s side were almost on the verge of dropping points against their fiercest rivals, but Ozil stepped up in the second half to provide the key assist for Kieran Gibbs’s goal and helped the Gunners salvage a point, as they pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

The 27-year-old was unveiled as the North London club's record-breaking signing in 2013 for a transfer fee of £42.4 million. Ozil made a lively start to his Arsenal career, assisting Giroud’s goal against Sunderland in his debut match and also scoring a crucial goal against Napoli in a Champions League game. But the German international failed up to live up to the pace and physicality of England’s top-flight over the course of time.

The former Real Madrid playmaker endured two difficult seasons with the club, where he struggled to deliver ‘world class performances’ on a consistent basis and often went missing during the important matches.

However, this season, the World Cup winner finally looks to have finally found his feet and he is firing Arsenal to a serious Premier League title challenge. Ozil has scored important goals for the Gunners against the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich this season

Ozil sacrifices himself for the team: Wenger

The German international has already broken a few records this season and he is currently the leading assist maker in the domestic league with 11 assists to his name. French coach Wenger has hailed the playmaker for his excellent performance against Spurs on Sunday and believes he is a key player in the Arsenal squad.

“He is 27 now,” Wenger said. “It is the golden age of a football player, 27 to 31, 32, the age when you know your job, you realise suddenly that it is not only important to play, it is important to win as well.”

“You go into that period thinking: ‘Finally’. Under 25 you think you can last forever. Once you get to 27 you realise it’s time to capitalise on what you have learned and efficiency takes a little bit over the playing mood,” he explained.

He further added: “He is focused on his job. Talent wise, I think deeply he is a very collective player. He is a very respectful guy. If you tell him to do that he will do it for you. I think his talent is exceptional. Sometimes I think he sacrifices himself for the team.”

“Sometimes he releases the ball when you want him to, sometimes he will do it when you don’t want him to. He plays in the link between the low midfield and the striker. He is the vital part in that. In that final part of the pitch, he has the most assists. There he is vital.”