Arsenal's Mesut Ozil 'convinced' he can win Ballon d'Or

Oft-criticized midfielder Mesut Ozil thinks he can be the best in the world.

The Arsenal star, who endures more vitriol than most for a perceived lack of effort, despite his (often subtle) brilliance on the pitch, said in an interview with German daily Bild that he hopes to one day be crowned as the planet's premier footballer.

"If I continue to develop well and stay healthy, I would like, in the next few years, to hold the Ballon d’Or in my hands," he said, as translated  by the Guardian. "I am convinced that it can happen.

"I’m feeling very positive. I’m a world champion and I play at a top club in the Premier League. There is much more of a physical test here than there is in Spain or in the Bundesliga - I constantly have bruises, but that makes me harder. I feel physically better than ever."

The presence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may leave Ozil unable to fulfill his desire for the foreseeable future, but there's no denying that he's a fantastic attacking midfielder with few equals at his position.

No matter what Gary Neville tells you.