OZIL
Arsene Wenger says Mesut Ozil can match Dennis Bergkamp's
legendary Arsenal status if he signs a new contract.
Bergkamp is nicknamed 'God' by Arsenal supporters and has a
statue outside the Emirates after helping the club to two doubles and an
unbeaten Premier League season during an 11-year spell.
Ozil's stunning midweek winner at Ludogorets earned
comparisons with Bergkamp among Gunners fans, but the German is in only his
fourth year at the club and has yet to commit his future beyond 2017.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's north London derby, Wenger
acknowledged "similarities" between the two and when asked whether
Ozil could eventually carry the same weight as Bergkamp in Arsenal's
history, he said: "I think so, I think if he commits.
"Dennis Bergkamp committed for a long period, played
until he was 38. I wish we have 10 more years of Ozil. That depends. To become
a legend at the club you need to stay for a long time.
"I understand that being a legend like Dennis Bergkamp,
if you stay two years you would not be a legend."
Arsenal continue to work on new deals for Alexis Sanchez and
Ozil, who goes into the Tottenham game on the back of five goals in as many
appearances.
"I believe he is at an age where he is more
mature," Wenger said. "He is 28. The difference today is he focuses
more on efficiency. When he arrived here he was more a player to play,
focused on playing. Today efficiency is more in his mind.
"The main transformation we got from him, he makes more
runs in behind to score goals. He pushes himself much more. He has that in him
as well.
"Sometimes the trap for very talented players is it is
easy for them. They know subconsciously they don't need to push themselves too
hard to be efficient."
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