EPL: Mesut Ozil named Arsenal's best player

Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson, has identified playmaker, Mesut Ozil as the club's best player despite his lack of playing time under manager, Unai Emery this season.

Ozil has fallen out of favour at Emirates since Emery took over from Arsene Wenger.

The 30-year-old only made just 24 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season.

Ozil, who joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, has not been regular for Arsenal so far this campaign.

He also missed Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League last weekend.

But Merson believes the ex-Germany international is still the most talented player Arsenal have at their disposal.

"Mesut Ozil should be starting Arsenal 's next few games so they can take advantage of how badly Tottenham and Manchester United are struggling," Merson told Daily Star.

"Arsenal have to make hay while the sun shines and their rivals are struggling, so they have got to put some points together in these games and go on a run.

"It's a big few weeks for them - and that's why I would play Ozil. I personally think he's their best player. In terms of ability and talent he's the best player at the club.

"He's a luxury player, and the manager has obviously decided he can't carry a player like that in a team that's already one of the worst around without the ball.

"But with these games coming up, Arsenal are going to have 70% of the possession. He thrives in those situations.

"Unai Emery should bring him in from the cold. But he won't. If he plays Ozil and they win, he has to keep playing him, and the manager doesn't want that. The manager wants him out.

Merson added: "I thought Ozil was Arsenal's best player against Watford and he hasn't played since. That shocked me to be honest.

"If he's showing it in training, he will be embarrassing a lot of the other players there, trust me. But he's not getting picked."