Quite a few of the Arsenal squad and Arsene Wenger himself have all suggested that the Germany international Mesut Ozil could be the difference between success and failure for the club in the season to come and that success will surely be judged on our finishing position in the Premier League table next May.
Our club record signing (for now at least) may not always be the most eye catching and dynamic looking Arsenal player on the pitch but he does seem to be the oil that lubricates our engine and when we are at our creative best, Ozil is almost always at the heart of things.
Even though the 26-year old has not had the influence that we hoped in his first two years as a Gunner, he has done some brilliant things and we have won a major trophy in each of those campaigns. THe Premier League is a long hard slog though and if Ozil is to really help us to become champions of England, he needs to avoid the injury problems that have beset him so far.
So it is good to hear him tell Arsenal Player that he is feeling fitter than ever and that he hopes this will enable him to achieve his full potential in the Arsenal team.
The German said, “I know that I have a lot more potential to show but if you look at the last two years, we’ve been successful and have won the FA Cup twice. Every season you need to prove yourself again and I want to do that again this time.
“I want to help the team as much as I can. Ultimately we have a strong team that can win everything. Our aim is to be more successful this season than we were in the last.
“I’ve noticed myself that the training sessions we’ve had here are helping me to become fitter. I want to get through pre-season without any injury and then we can see.
“I know exactly how I can use my body. We had three weeks holiday – maybe that was a bit too short – but I’m looking forward to the new season and to our new challenge.”
If Ozil does stay injury free for the whole season, will that put one Arsenal hand on the Premier League trophy?