Arsenal playmaker Mesut Özil has heaped praise on his teammate Santi Cazorla.

The Spanish international has had an impressive season, playing in a deeper midfield role than he is used to.

Özil stated that he has been impressed by how well Cazorla has adapted to his new position and praised the Spaniard’s contribution to the team.

“Santi’s been very strong,” Özil told Arsenal Player.

“He’s had to adapt to a new position which he may not have always been used to playing in.

“I think he’s been excellent this year. We’re very happy to have a player like him in our ranks. He’s very good on the ball, as we all know, and is now very defensively strong too.

“I think we’ll have lots of enjoyment with him over the years because he’s a creative player and it’s a lot of fun for me to play alongside him.

“It makes it easier for me too because he sees things that some other players may not. That’s why we’re pleased to have him here.”

Cazorla has been linked with a move back to the La Liga and the 30-year-old has confirmed that Atletico Madrid have expressed an interest in signing him.

Özil is currently on holiday in Germany and will enjoy a brief holiday before returning to London for pre-season training with the rest of his teammates.

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The Arsenal playmaker ended the season on a high starring in his sides 4-0 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.

The Gunners, who lost the 2006 final to Barcelona, have never won the Champions League.

Özil provided nine assists and five goals in 32 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season.