Aitor Karanka: 'Mesut Ozil can be become one of the world's best, I hope Arsenal rest him on Sunday'

Aitor Karanka has first hand experience of just how good Arsenal dangerman Mesut Ozil is.

And the Boro boss is the first to admit he'd be delighted if the German World Cup winner was afforded a Sunday afternoon off this weekend.

Karanka worked with Arsenal's record signing during his time as Jose Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid so knows only too well the quality which the midfielder possesses.

In fact, the Boro boss believes his side will come up against a player who can go on to become one of the world's best.

"Mesut is a very good lad," said Karanka.

"I spent three seasons with him in Madrid. He's an amazing player and I hope on Sunday he's not on his best game.

"Unfortunately for us, Mesut is playing at his best right now but I think he will be thinking about the league and he can rest on Sunday."

Wishful thinking from the Boro boss. Although Arsenal have the first leg of the Champions League last-16 clash with Monaco to come before the month is out and a pivotal run of league games as they look to secure a top-four finish, Arsene Wenger is unlikely to rest many, if any, of his key players for the clash with Boro.

The Arsenal boss is aware of the dangers Boro will pose, saying of Karanka's side: "They are well organised, play good football and they are very creative."

Ozil scored the goal to put the Gunners ahead at Spurs last week in the crunch north London derby and has looked back to his imperious best in recent weeks.

"I had, and still have, a very good relationship with him (Ozil)," Karanka told the club's website.

"He's a very good lad and I'm very happy when I see him playing to his strengths. He can be one of the best in the world - his left foot is amazing.

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil

"He needs a manager who puts pressure on him because he's the kind of player who is maybe a little bit relaxed when the manager is not behind him. But with us at Madrid he was perfect because Jose was always behind him."

The £42.5m man isn't the only Arsenal player to be among the world's best, says Karanka, who is also a big fan of diminutive midfielder Santi Cazorla.

"I love Santi and I've known him for a long time," said the head coach.

"He's an amazing player but they have a lot of great players.

"Santi Cazorla had everything. I think he's one of the best technical players in the world.

"You don't know if he's left or right-footed and he has a perfect understanding of the game."