Olivier Giroud has insisted he and his Arsenal team-mates never doubted Mesut Ozil’s quality.
The Arsenal playmaker has been in fine form after a spell of intense criticism at the Emirates.
Ozil has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United after the German refused to sign a new deal at Arsenal.
It looks unlikely Ozil will agree to a contract extension, but Giroud believes the 29-year-old is key to Arsenal’s success.
‘You cannot be at the top level all the time,’ Giroud told TalkSport.
Arsenal 2017/18 fixtures
Huddersfield (A) - Sun May 13
‘Sometimes people expect the best from you every single game because you are a top player.
‘I can understand that. But we never had any doubts about his quality, that is for sure.’
He added: ‘He is a top player and we need him.
‘He makes the best choice most of the time. He knows when he has to pass the ball or to shoot and when you are in a good position you always think he thinks assist before scoring, even if he scored tonight.
‘I am very happy for him. He is our playmaker and is a key player.’
Ozil was in sensational form against Huddersfield on Wednesday night as he scored a goal and made two others in the space of four minutes.
It is the first time in Ozil’s Premier League career he had a hand in three goals in one match.
United are believed to be ready to move for Ozil in January, but are prepared to wait until the summer when the attacker’s contract expires.
Arsenal will need Ozil firing on all cylinders if the Gunners want to cement their place in the top four. Arsenal have a massive game at the weekend as they welcome United to the Emirates.
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