Mesut Ozil
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil believes he is on the right path this season after a difficult debut season in the English Premier League Getty Images

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil believes he is on the right path this season after a difficult debut season in the English Premier League.

The German midfielder joined Arsenal in the summer of 2013 for a club-record £42m from reigning European champions Real Madrid, and after a blistering start he struggled to live up to the pace of the league and faded in the latter half of the season.

This dip in form prompted heavy criticism from former players and TV pundits with regards to his ability to realise his true potential in England.

However, the 26-year-old midfielder has responded to his critics and is currently one of the north London club's stand-out performers this campaign. Ozil suffered a knee injury in the beginning of the season that kept him out for almost three months, but he has since returned stronger and fitter and has impressed with his all round game for the team.

The former Real star, who has been criticised for his laid back style has been the player who has covered most ground in recent games for Arsenal and the player admits that he has worked hard during his injury layoff, which is currently paying off on the pitch.

"I think it's been very positive [this season]. Of course picking up my injury was a negative because I missed a lot of games. But if you look at the league and my performances, I'm really satisfied," Ozil told Arsenal's official site.

"I'd say I'm on the right way. What's most important is that I perform well consistently. The team support me really well and the manager gives me his trust."

"I've missed a lot of football and I think it shows on the pitch that I worked very hard during that time. So now I just want to... help the team and I'm on the right path," the German midfielder explained.

Ozil insists that he is fully focused on team performances rather than individual goals and maintains that Arsenal will only be satisfied if they have a strong finish to the season. With the Gunners in the semi-final of the FA Cup, he is keen to replicate last season's heroics and lift the famous old trophy yet again.

"The most important thing is that we win games as a team. Of course it's nice if I can give an assist or score a goal, but really, what's most important is that we are successful as a team."

"We're rightfully near the top of the table and in the semi-finals of the FA Cup again. I think we can win trophies again this year, and if we do that, we will be satisfied," Ozil concluded.