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Mesut Ozil says if he is to win Ballon d'Or he must be 'more egotistical' for Arsenal

The Germany international wants to be recognised alongside the very best

Simon Rice
Thursday 03 September 2015 14:10 BST
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Mesut Özil gestures during the win over Palace
Mesut Özil gestures during the win over Palace (Getty Images)

Mesut Ozil has said before that he is "convinced" he can win the Ballon d'Or and now he has a plan on how to do it.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been the only recipients of the award recognising the best player in Europe since 2007, but Arsenal midfielder Ozil is hopeful he can muscle in.

Speaking earlier in the year he told Sport Bild: "I am convinced that it can happen."

But if it is, he says he must be getting on the score sheet more.

"I have to become more dangerous in front of the goal," he said when asked about winning the accolade.

"I was injured for long spells last season, and scored only five in 32 competitive games. I want to improve this. To achieve it, I have to be a bit more egotistical."

Ozil is yet to score this season, but missed Arsenal's most recent game - a 1-0 win over Newcastle - through injury. However, the World Cup winner is in contention to be ready for Germany's Euro 2016 qualifiers against Poland on Friday and Scotland next week.

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