By Lloyd Webb
Arsene Wenger says Mesut Ozil has developed into a leader at Arsenal.
The midfielder claimed his 16th assist and his third goal of the season in the Premier League during the 2-0 win against Bournemouth.
Wenger believes avoiding injuries has been key to Ozil’s progression into a “complete athlete” this year.
"I also believe he has grown in stature and takes responsibilities"
Arsene Wenger
“I think he plays in a position that suits him well,” said the manager. “He plays in a style of football that suits him well. He is, today, maybe more in a more comfortable psychological position because he's accepted and not so much questioned than he was in the years before.
“This season he was not stopped by injuries and I believe that he arrives at an age - 27 - that you think 'it's time for me to really be efficient in every single game, and I want to enjoy every single game'.
“When he was injured for a long period he worked very hard physically. He is a complete athlete. I also believe he has grown in stature and takes responsibilities, leadership in the team and on that front he has improved tremendously and looks determined to lead the team compared to when he arrived.”
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