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Premier League: Mesut Ozil keen to live up to Arsenal fans' expectations

Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski, Arsenal
Image: Mesut Ozil: High expectations bring criticism of Arsenal star

Mesut Ozil believes criticism of his performances at Arsenal stems from expectations of him being "one of the best number 10s in the world."

The Germany international had plenty of ups and downs in his first season at the Emirates, ending the year as an FA Cup winner after being snapped up for £42m at the end of the August 2013 transfer window.

Ozil says opinions of his play are important to him and he is keen to enjoy the success he has with World Cup winners Germany in the Premier League and Europe.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "The opinions of fans are important to me and I'm happy they have such high expectations of me. I have high expectations of myself.

"I'm one of the best players in the world in that number 10 position. Fans, coaches, players and everyone knows that my best position is playmaker. It's different playing on the left.

"When I was in Madrid, I often played on the right. I enjoyed that because I'm left-footed and I was able to cut inside to give assists and get shots on target. On the left, it's more difficult."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defended Ozil on Friday from criticism he is a 'lightweight', likening him to a musical virtuoso.

Wenger said: "People are very harsh on Ozil because he's a player who is easy with his play.

"When you watch his game back the next day you think 'what a player'. Everything he does is intelligent and the timing of absolutely everything he does is absolutely perfect.

"He's like a guy who plays music with perfect timing. There aren't many players like that."

And Ozil is thankful of the support he receives from his club manager, adding:  "The whole club can be proud to have such a fantastic manager with so much experience, playing with style and doing so many great things for 18 years here.

"The boss has always blooded youngsters, and helped make them into some of the best players in the world. That's also why I came here. I wanted to develop myself further."

And that development includes a first Premier League title and victory in Europe's top club competition.

He concluded: "Of course Arsenal can win the Premier League. We also want to show that we can play better in the Champions League. We have the potential to reach the final."

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