Arsenal star Per Mertesacker says Mesut Ozil played out of position in Aston Villa win

Arsenal star Per Mertesacker has hailed Mesut Ozil's performance during the 5-0 victory over Aston Villa but believes Arsene Wenger deployed the German international out of his favoured position.

After Santi Cazorla took advantage of Ozil's recent injury to hit form playing in the German's natural position behind the striker - being named Vitality player of the month in both December and January - Wenger decided to keep the Spaniard in the number 10 role during the game against Villa, while deploying the former Real Madrid star on the left-side.

Ozil responded with an impressive performance scoring the second goal of the game after setting up Olivier Giroud for the opener.

However, Mertesacker believes his compatriot would be even better playing in Cazorla's new role.

"It was not on his best position in my opinion, he played more on the left side, but he can play anywhere up front," Mertesacker told Standard Sport.

"It is good for him to get back his fitness, maybe on the wing he is doing a bit more defensive work as well. He suffered a bit at the end of the game, but he always looked dangerous, was always available, wants the ball and wants to create something."

Ozil made an impressive start to life at the Emirates Stadium last season following his £42.5m move from Real Madrid. However he struggled to replicate the same form during the second part of the campaign.

Mertesacker believes that, after overcoming his latest injury setback, Ozil is ready to finally prove his worth in the Premier League.

"He was always that promising talent, and now he is showing a lot more, he has had so much experience in his young career," he said.

"Sometimes I wish he is more selfish in front of the goal, as you can see when he breaks through the lines, he should have scored instead of looking for another player. You can see he is dangerous and has pace when he really wants. He is so quick, and he caused a lot of trouble, and was always a threat."