Ozil’s simply the best, says Xhaka

Arsenal’s summer signing Granit Xhaka rates new team-mate Mesut Ozil as the best No 10 in the world.

Ozil was credited with 19 Premier League assists last term – six more than second-placed Christian Eriksen of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

A dip in form at the end of the campaign saw the Germany playmaker omitted from the Premier League team of the season, much to the bemusement of Arsenal fans, who voted him the club’s player of 2015/16.

But Xhaka, a £34million arrival from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, is sold on Ozil’s qualities and believes the former Real Madrid star is as good as anyone he is likely to come up against both domestically and in the Champions League this term.

(David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“I don’t know a better No 10 than Mesut,” said Xhaka.

“Mesut has qualities that he has shown in the past.

“He’s played for Germany, for Real Madrid and is a terrific player. He’s got an excellent final pass and a superb first touch.

“I’m definitely looking forward to playing alongside him.

“He’s very important for this team, as he’s shown in the past. He has his qualities, he’s something special and I hope he shows that next season.”