The Bloody Cannon: A Beginner’s Guide to the players of Arsenal F.C. - Mesut Özil

This is the third installment in a series of Arsenal Football Club player profiles that I am creating. The articles are aimed at fans who are either new to the Gooners or new to the game. Read, comment, compliment, ridicule, enjoy.

Mesut Özil burst into the consciousness of world football during his performances for Germany in the 2010 World Cup. Anyone watching that competition would plainly realize that a playmaker of this caliber was destined to join the greatest football club in the world: Arsenal F.C.

Thus tremors consumed South London (the actual flesh eating giant worms) when news broke that Özil chose Real Madrid over Arsene Wenger's storied side. This decision spurred disbelief among the Arsenal support, but all was remedied when the former Academy Graduate finally returned home. Since his arrival in the summer of 2013, Özil has not failed to disappoint. Whether its the early rounds of domestic cups or against Premier League opponents vying for relegation, Mesut Özil shines brightest when the stakes are the lowest. Watch any match against a "Sky Sports Six" opponent this year and one will find selflessness personified; a player who disappears in key moments only for the glory of his teammates. Look for Mesut Özil to tally seven assists in all competitions during the 2015-16 term.

Wenger Quote: "The lessons from Mesut Özil's transfer, and his subsequent performances at the club, have profoundly shaped our recent transfer activity."