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Sitting right at the top of the Premier League is Arsenal FC. After season upon season finishing at the bottom of the top four, they now sit at the pinnacle. Inspired by the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, and a solid back four that has seen them concede the least in the league, they could finally be crowned champions once again.
And that plethora of stars won’t be finished there. With the World Cup just a few months away, the excitement is building, and some of Arsenal’s key men could continue to impress. We take a look at five of Wenger’s best who are set to shine in Rio.
Mesut Ozil
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It would be impossible not to begin with this man. He’s lifted an entire Arsenal side low on confidence and transformed them into genuine title contenders; having provided vital contributions along the way. He’s scored five goals and made nine assists so far this season and is already an instrumental figure in the German side.
Don’t be surprised if he returns to the Emirates with a winner’s medal around his neck.
Per Mertesacker
Instrumental to his compatriot winning a medal could well be the form of German stopped Per Mertesacker. The central defender has been a crucial part in Arsenal only conceding 19 in the league this season and 95 caps also means his experience is imperative in a group that contains Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, the United States and Ghana.
Thomas Vermaelen
Mertesacker’s domestic partner Thomas Vermaelen could also be a stand out performer in Brazil. Belgium are being considered one of the dark horses this summer, and have been touted as fifth favourite at 15-1 with Sky Bet to win the tournament which could be worth a free bet. The likes of Hazard, Lukaku and Benteke have all proved difficult opposition in the Premier League, and partnered alongside Vincent Kompany, Vermaelen will complete a defence that could be one of the most difficult to break down in the competition.
Olivier Giroud
Giroud has bagged 12 goals for Arsenal this season and is the clubs second top scorer. His physical ability is well known and his strength could prove valuable in the difficult Brazilian climate. The Frenchman has just 26 caps for his country, but after an impressive season so far, could lead the line for Les Blues alongside Karim Benzema.
Jack Wilshere
With Theo Walcott ruled out of England’s world cup bid, Wilshere looks like the only Gunners representative that will fly the flag for Arsenal in Brazil. Whilst Jack Wilshere’s place in Roy Hodgson’s side isn’t exactly guaranteed, should he find the form that saw him touted as a future world superstar, he will be an England starter for sure.
He has been plagued with injury, but he has a chance to return for next week’s key clash against Liverpool and should he find his sparkling form back, there is no stopping the England International to making it into the starting XI at Brazil. Alongside his supreme technical ability, Wilshere could be a key man for England if they are going to make it through a tricky group stage.
