Granit Xhaka recently sang Mesut Ozil’s praises, claiming that he can’t wait to play alongside him and that the playmaker is the best no.10 in the world.

I’m a firm believer that it should be part of all our players’ contracts when they sign for Arsenal: ‘must love Mesut Ozil unconditionally’. Whenever I hear or read about one of our men praising the German genius, it adds about two years onto my life expectancy; my skin feels clearer and my sleeping patterns regulate. Mainly because, after all the unnecessary criticism, he deserves to be recognised for the player he actually is. Anyway, that’s my two-pennies’ worth.

Xhaka, like most human beings with more than one brain cell, insists that he can’t think of another no.10 in the world that has Ozil’s quality.

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

“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.

“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.”

I’m looking forward to seeing them alongside – or infront/behind – each other. It’ll be a nice change for Mesut to actually have cover so he can play to his strengths rather than have to do more than one job at once.