by Nia Griffiths

Mesut Ozil has enjoyed two successful years at Arsenal with us winning the FA Cup both seasons, and the German thinks we can only get better.

The playmaker is quite privileged in the fact that he’s seen us win two pieces of silverware in as many years. He didn’t have to suffer through the years of ‘almost‘, ‘not quite‘ and ‘just not good enough‘. However, now we’re in a new era and the 26-year-old believes we’re destined for great things.

“I know that I have a lot more potential to show but if you look at the last two years, we’ve been successful and have won the FA Cup twice,” Ozil said. “Every season you need to prove yourself again and I want to do that again this time.”

He added, “I want to help the team as much as I can. Ultimately we have a strong team that can win everything. Our aim is to be more successful this season than we were in the last.”

 Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates after the Barclays Asia Trophy match between Arsenal and Everton
SINGAPORE – JULY 18: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates after the Barclays Asia Trophy match between Arsenal and Everton at the National Stadium on July 18, 2015 in Singapore. (Photo by Lionel Ng/Getty Images)

Of course, after suffering a serious knee injury against Chelsea last season, Ozil is concerned with staying fit. Although, if he can, he believes he can only improve. I dare say you can’t improve on perfection, Ozil, but I’m willing to see what else you have to offer.

“I’ve noticed myself that the training sessions we’ve had here are helping me to become fitter,” Ozil revealed. “I want to get through pre-season without any injury and then we can see.

“I know exactly how I can use my body. We had three weeks holiday – maybe that was a bit too short – but I’m looking forward to the new season and to our new challenge.”

It’s a little concerning that the German feels that he could’ve done with a longer rest, but that’s up to the boss and backroom staff to keep an eye on.

Ozil only featured in 32 matches last season due to his knee injury, and the vast majority of these were from January onwards. The playmaker will definitely be looking to improve on this next season and I’m eager to see him do it.