Wenger: Ozil entering a golden age

Mesut Ozil is entering the “golden age of a football player” and has matured in recent seasons, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Ozil joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in 2013, becoming the club’s record signing at a fee of £42.5 million, and has emerged as a key player in 2015-16.

The Germany international has laid on six assists in 12 games in all competitions thus far this season, scoring twice, and Wenger believes he is in the prime of his career.

"He is 27 now, 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.

"Talent wise, I think deeply he is a very, 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. His talent is fantastic.”

Ozil has come in for some criticism since joining Arsenal for a perceived lack of urgency and effort but Wenger insists the World Cup winner has been too unselfish in the past.

"Sometimes I think he sacrifices himself for the team," he added. "Sometimes he releases the ball when you want him to, sometimes he will do it when you don't want him to do it. "

"He has confidence. He is not scared to show it. He wants always to play."