Laurent Koscielny lauds Arsenal 'superstar' Mesut Ozil

Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has insisted that record signing Mesut Özil is the reason behind the Gunners’ improvement in front of goal this season, despite the recent criticism the German’s performances have attracted.

The £42.4 million summer signing began his Arsenal career in blistering form, providing an assist just minutes into his debut against Sunderland. However, following his early promise Özil’s form has stuttered and he has failed to inspire the Gunners in recent weeks which culminated in a penalty miss against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Özil missed last week’s fixture with a dead leg but is expected to return to the starting line up for Saturday’s trip to Stoke.

But his French team mate is adamant that although the north Londoners are blessed with an variety of midfield talent, the former Real Madrid man gives them an edge they have not had before.

“Maybe Mesut was not what people thought we were missing but he only needs one opportunity and he gives an assist. The difference is there and that’s why we’re more efficient in front of goal this season.

“He gave more freedom to other players, too. He is our superstar. Others feel less pressure than before his arrival and we have more confidence,” Koscielny told the club’s official website.

The early season form of Aaron Ramsey owed a lot to Özil’s influence as did the whole squad’s improvement that helped them remain top of the league before finally being dislodged by Chelsea recently.

His form may have deserted him of late, but Özil’s is amongst the world’s best players in his position and he will be bounce back and have the same Arsenal fans that are currently criticising him cheering his name.

Mesut Özil has provided one assist in his last six league games for Arsenal.