Kevin Kuo – USA Today Sports
Born to Turkish parents in Germany, Mesut Ozil decided to pledge his allegiance to the country of his birth. Comparing the current success rate of both nations, the choice made was a favorable one by Real Madrid‘s number 10. Now, let’s take a look at his career thus far.
In 2006, he began his professional playing career at the senior level with Schalke 04, appearing 30 times for the Gelsenkirchen side. During this time, fans, coaches and teammates alike were given a taste of what the young man could do on the field. His pace, ability on the ball, vision and energy made him a good choice for the starting 11. However, his career was short lived at this club.
In 2008, Ozil joined Werder Bremen for roughly €5 million and there, he scored 13 times in 71 appearances. It was his play and success here that earned him a spot on the German international side that made it all the way to the 2010 WC semifinals. Earlier in the tournament, he scored the only goal in a tight match against Ghana in the group stage.
His performance in that World Cup is what sent Real Madrid calling for his signature. Once he joined, he was given the no. 23 during his first season. Before the second season commenced, he was given the prestigious no. 10, which somehow lifted his performance not only offensively, but even defensively as well as he would sprint back to assist his defense. Real Madrid have helped to develop him into an even better player than ever before.
Thus far for Madrid, Ozil has scored 19 times in 102 appearances. The numbers are not in his favor, but let’s remember that he plays as a winger or an attacking midfielder. Therefore, his job is to assist the strikers or other wingers on his team in a 4-2-3-1 set-up. His country plays with the same formation so adapting to either side was not too hard, judging by his performances.
He has been and will continue to be one of Real Madrid’s most needed players. As long as other teams don’t come calling with better offers, Ozil can easily stay at Madrid for the next three seasons.
