Theo Walcott Praises Mesut Ozil, Eyes Partnership Ahead of Arsenal vs. United

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has heaped praise on team-mate Mesut Ozil ahead of the Gunners' clash with Manchester United and is targeting a successful relationship with the German playmaker on the field.

Walcott told Arsenal's official website: "I know what he's going to do now when he's got the ball, I just need to keep making those runs and hopefully we can get that relationship going."

The Englishman has missed many games through injury since Ozil's arrival two seasons ago but is now enjoying a run in the team as a central striker with the 26-year-old German among those supplying him with ammunition. He added:

"

The first thing he does when he has the ball, in fact when he hasn’t even got the ball, is that he looks. He looks first before he gets the ball and he knows where he’s going to play it before he’s even got it. That just shows the sort of quality we have in this team.

Mesut’s involvement in the Stoke [City] goal sums it up and also shows what he can do for this team. He makes football look easy and he’s a special player who has so many assists in his game.

He can do it anywhere on the pitch, he’s a threat from anywhere and when you’ve got that in your dressing room you can build on it.

"

Accusations of laziness have often been levelled at the former Real Madrid player during his time at the Emirates, while his goal and assist contributions have also been criticised.

Ozil has impressed this season, though, and he has already provided three assists for his team.

Squawka Football demonstrated his impressive chance-creation numbers in the Premier League and shared the stats from his excellent performance against Leicester City—the kind of display Ozil is showing more and more of:

Former Arsenal player and current Gunners scout Danny Karbassiyoon was full of praise for Ozil's sublime chipped assist for Alexis Sanchez's header against the Foxes:

Sanchez isn't the only one benefiting from Ozil's form. As Walcott hinted, the German assisted his goal against Stoke City with a magnificent ball over the top. It's no coincidence the Englishman's recent form in front of goal, illustrated by OptaJoe, has coincided with Ozil's impressive contribution to the team:

With Walcott now occupying a central striking role at Arsenal—another factor in the 26-year-old's improving goal return—he is now on the receiving end of more chances than ever, and he's taking them.

As the goal against Stoke showed, the pair are beginning to develop a promising partnership.

The Gunners still face a number of issues that will most likely see them fall short in the title race and perhaps indeed against United on Sunday, but if they can build on Walcott and Ozil's relationship, it can give them a platform for future success.