Wenger: Ozil's influence at Arsenal is like Bergkamp

Arsene Wenger has hailed Mesut Ozil's influence on the Arsenal dressing room and says he shares similarities with Dennis Bergkamp.

The Germany midfielder has been in incredible form for the Gunners this season, scoring three and setting up 16 in 20 Premier League games.

And Wenger believes he has a similar air about him to the legendary Dutch attacker, who spent 11 prosperous years with the north London club.

"Yes, he's a bit like Bergkamp," the manager told the club's official website. "Not that guy who stands up and speaks too much, but every time he says something, it is straight to the point.

"He has a big influence. He's not an extrovert, as you know. But you don't win by coincidence and he has won in his career. He's demanding from his partners.

"Per Mertesacker is also very important in that respect. He's a very important leader in the dressing room - and a respected one as well. He maintains focus and wants to do well. He's one of the guys who can help us.

"Experience helps but what will help more than anything is the quality of our performances and I think Sunday is a big one for us on that front."

Wenger is also happy with the mood in the Arsenal dressing room, insisting maintaining that morale will be key to his side's title chances this term, as they can pull level with Leicester City at the top of the table if they beat Chelsea on Sunday.

"The qualities that have come out of our team until now are especially mental," he added. "To keep that spirit will certainly be vital for us because every game is very tight.

"I believe we have a strong spirit but spirit is a bit like the weather in England. It can change very quickly. And we have to care of that.

"It is something that is very fragile, to maintain that under pressure, disappointments, injuries, that is our task. That's why all the older players have this kind of responsibility to take care of our unity."