The numbers game: In support of Mesut Ozil

Disregard for a moment the missed penalties against Slovakia and in the last-eight tilt with Italy on Saturday, and Germany's Mesut Ozil has been one of Euro 2016's best players.

While the eye test confirms as much - especially against Italy, when the Arsenal star scored the opener to go with his four assists through five matches - the numbers behind Ozil's performances support the claim that he's been one of the contest's best players.

Here's a look at the stats behind Ozil's dazzling display in France:

A vital cog in Germany's wheel

Of the 24 teams who lined up in France, Germany leads all sides with 63 percent possession, and sits behind only joint leaders Spain and Switzerland in pass completion.

While the Spanish and Swiss share a narrow 91-percent advantage to Die Mannschaft's 90, Germany has made 3,064 of 3,383 passes, dwarfing the attempts from the defending champ (2,340 of 2,562) and neutral neighbours (1,947 of 2,154). Despite playing one extra match than Spain and Switzerland, those inflated numbers are not merely a measure of an additional fixture.

Pair that with 91 total shot attempts, second only to Belgium's 98, and Ozil's value as a playmaker is arguably more important to his side than any other player. Centre-back Jerome Boateng has made a brilliant account of himself in Joachim Low's squad, but Ozil is the straw that stirs the semi-finalist's drink.

An Arsenal of attacking stats

When Low switched to a 3-5-2 formation to mirror Italy's tactics Sunday in Bordeaux, Ozil slotted into a free role behind Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez.

Ozil's aggression against Italy boosted the World Cup holder's chances with dizzying dribbling and turns that at times mystified Italy's backline.

Playmaking wizardry

One of the continent's exemplary passers, Ozil was the key that unlocked Italy's rigid and steadfast defence in the last-eight clash.

Uncharacteristic defensive help

Not known for his help in tracking back and defending against the run of play, there's a reason beyond Boateng and Mats Hummels for why Germany has yet to concede a goal through five matches.

Believe it or not, Ozil has played a role in keeping Germany's clean sheet streak intact. Simply put, he's been one of Euro 2016's best players.