Wenger full of praise for Ozil

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described Mesut Ozil as the "complete athlete" after the midfielder helped his side finish the year in pole position in the Premier League.

The Germany international has provided 16 assists and contributed three goals as the Gunners sit at the top of the pile, ahead of Leicester on goal difference at the halfway stage of the season.

Wenger hailed the performance of Ozil against Bournemouth on Monday, after he set up Gabriel for the opener in the first half before getting on the scoresheet himself after the interval to secure a 2-0 win.

The Frenchman believes the club's record signing has come on leaps and bounds since his arrival from Real Madrid in 2013, even taking on a leadership role within the team in the absence of the more established players through injury.

"When he was injured for a long period he worked very hard physically," Wenger said. "He is a complete athlete.

"I also believe he has grown in stature and takes responsibilities, leadership in the team and on that front he has improved tremendously and looks determined to lead the team compared to when he arrived.

"I think he plays in a position that suits him well. He plays in a style of football that suits him well.

"This season he was not stopped by injuries and I believe that he arrives at an age - 27 - that you think 'it's time for me to really be efficient in every single game, and I want to enjoy every single game'."