Friendship with Ozil helped him find form; Flamini claims

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil's incredible form this season is all
thanks to finding happiness away from the pitch, according
to team-mate Mathieu Flamini.

Ozil is on course to smash the Premier League assists
record, currently held by Thierry Henry, having created 16
goals already this season, despite initially struggling to
adapt to English football.

The World Cup-winning playmaker failed to live up to his
£42.5 million price tag in his first two seasons at the club,
but is now finally showing his full potential.

Flamini believes the key to Ozil's turnaround in form has
been settling in off the pitch and striking up close bonds
with himself and others, which has allowed the German to
flourish on the pitch.

"We are close friends and we have a good time on and off
the pitch," Flamini told Arsenal Player .

"That’s very important because, if you want to be able to
perform, you have to feel happy in your head and feel
confident off the pitch.

"I believe he is [happy] here and we have such a great
atmosphere here that it makes it very easy for him to feel
comfortable."

Flamini has played with a host of football legends in his
career, including Ballon d'Or winners Andriy Shevchenko,
Ronaldinho and Kaka, and says Ozil is every bit as good.

"We all knew he was a top player but I’m glad he’s proving it
every game. It’s very important to have him on our side
because, as you can all see, he can make the difference at
any time.

"He has been giving so many assists and has been making
so much difference in the past few games, so it’s a pleasure
to play next to him and it’s also a pleasure to watch him on
the pitch.

"His vision is something that you don’t find very often, so
he’s easily one of the best players I’ve ever played with."