Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has said the arrival of Mesut Ozil two years ago gave the whole club "a massive lift."
Germany international Ozil joined for £42.4 million from Real Madrid as the Gunners broke their transfer record to bring him to London.
Wilshere told Arsenal's official website that his fellow midfielder -- who has provided more assists than any other player in the Premier League this season -- was "special" to play alongside.
"I think we knew what sort of player Mesut was," he said. "His history as a player and the clubs he has played for... to bring him in to play with us was massive.
"I remember watching [the TV] on transfer deadline day and seeing that Arsenal were interested in Mesut Ozil, and you almost didn't believe it.
"When he arrived, the players were buzzing, the fans were buzzing, and I think that gave us all a massive lift.
"I remember watching him a few times and thinking that this player really understands football. You can tell he really understands football, and to play alongside him is something special."
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has praised Ozil for adding more of a goal threat to his game, with the midfielder on target in the 1-1 draw at Norwich at the end of last month.
"Ozil is the main provider in our team and in the league," he said. "He has 13 assists in the league.
"He has added runs into the box now. You watch how many times he's in the box compared to what he did before. I think he has become an absolutely unbelievable player."