Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil says teammate Alexandre Lacazette has what it takes to be on the same level as Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.

Lacazette joined Arsenal from Lyon for a fee of around £50m during the summer, and has scored 5 goals in his first 10 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners. Benzema, a fellow French compatriot, signed for Real Madrid from Lyon also, and has since gone on to become one of the deadliest strikers in world football – scoring 182 goals since his transfer back in 2009.

Ozil, a former teammate of Benzema’s at Real Madrid for three seasons, believes Lacazette can emulate his success and has praised the hard work he does in order to improve.

“I think Lacazette’s game is different,” Ozil told SFR Sport.

“But I hope he will have as much success as Benzema. He has his head on his shoulders, he works hard.

“I hope he scores as many goals as Benzema with the French national team.”

Benzema has been one of the most successful forwards in recent times, winning three Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles among others. Ozil’s latest comments will certainly be welcomed by all who know Benzema, as it is a clear indication of just how much the German rates Lacazette.