.jpg) Özil playing for German national team. | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Mesut Özil | ||
| Date of birth | 15 October 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | Gelsenkirchen, West Germany | ||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[1] | ||
| Playing position | Attacking midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Real Madrid | ||
| Number | 10 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1995–1998 | Westfalia 04 Gelsenkirchen | ||
| 1998–1999 | Teutonia Schalke-Nord | ||
| 1999–2000 | Falke Gelsenkirchen | ||
| 2000–2005 | Rot-Weiss Essen | ||
| 2005–2006 | Schalke 04 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2006–2008 | Schalke 04 | 30 | (0) |
| 2008–2010 | Werder Bremen | 71 | (13) |
| 2010– | Real Madrid | 67 | (7) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2006–2007 | Germany U19 | 11 | (4) |
| 2007–2009 | Germany U21 | 16 | (5) |
| 2009– | Germany | 31 | (8) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18:05, 14 April 2012 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 20:04, 29 February 2012 (UTC) | |||
Mesut Özil (German pronunciation: [ˈmeːzut ˈøːzil], Turkish pronunciation: [me̞ˈsut ˈø̞zil]) (born 15 October 1988) is a footballer who plays for Spanish La Ligaclub Real Madrid and for the German national team. Özil has been a youth national team member since 2006, and a member of the German national team since 2009. He gained international attention during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was nominated for the Golden Ball Award which is awarded to the tournament's best player. Following his breakout performance at the World Cup, he was transferred from Werder Bremen to Real Madrid in August 2010. Özil is acclaimed for his finesse and improvisation as an attacking midfielder. His style and knack for providing assists for his team-mates and has been compared to that of Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. In 2011, he ranked second in assists in La Liga with 17 and first in top-flight leagues in Europe with 25.
Contents[hide] |
[edit]Club career
[edit]Gelsenkirchen and Rot-Weiss Essen
Özil began his youth career playing for various clubs in Gelsenkirchen and then played five years for Rot-Weiss Essen.
[edit]Schalke 04
In 2005, he moved to the youth department of FC Schalke 04. He was a midfielder and wore 17 as his squad number, after starting as play-maker and central attacking midfielder in the place of the suspended Lincoln in Ligapokal matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich for Schalke.[2] On making the first team there, he was described as 'the next big thing', but he eventually fell out with club management and moved on to Werder Bremen in January 2008.[3]
[edit]Werder Bremen
On 31 January 2008, he moved to Werder Bremen for a reported fee of €4.3 million, signing a contract with the German club until 30 June 2011.[4] Fresh off his fallout at Schalke 04 he stepped into the shoes of Brazilian playmaker Diego to help lead the north German club to the 2009 DFB-Pokal with the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Berlin.[5] He also excelled in Europe where he led Werder Bremen to the final of the last everUEFA Cup, losing out to Shakhtar Donetsk.[6] Although Bremen failed to get going in their 2008–09 Bundesliga season, eventually finishing a disappointing 10th, Özil managed to make a significant impact in most games and came away with a respectable three goals and 15 assists that highlighted his attacking credentials.[6] In his second season, Bremen finished a respectable 3rd, with Özil contributing 9 goals and 17 assists in 31 league fixture appearances.
[edit]Real Madrid
Due to his performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he ensured his place among Europe's top young talents. He was sought by teams like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United and reports even claimed that a deal was struck for a transfer to Barca. Werder Bremen denied the report and on 17 August 2010 the team announced that they had reached an agreement with Real Madrid.[7] The transfer fee is believed to have been in the region of €15 million.[8] He made his debut on 22 August in a friendly match against Hércules, which Real Madrid won 3–1.[9]
Özil's jersey numbers were changed often before the season started. He was given the number 26 in the pre-season and 19 for his debut. But following the transfer of Rafael van der Vaart, he was given the vacant 23.
Özil was brought in to back up teammate Kaka, but due to his surgery, Özil obtained a starting role. He then made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid as a substitute for Ángel di María in the 62nd minute against Mallorca, which Real Madrid drew 0–0.[10]Özil made his season debut in Champions League on 15 September. He got his first assist with Real Madrid in the 74th minute against Ajax after he crossed in the ball, resulting in a Higuaín goal.[11] Özil's performances for Real Madrid have been praised by media, fans and players.[12]
He walked off the pitch as a second half substitute to standing ovations in his first two games as a starter at the Santiago Bernabéu. His first goal came in a league match against Deportivo La Coruña on 3 October 2010, in a 6–1 victory.[13] Özil's first Champions League goal with Real came in the 14th minute against Milan on 19 October 2010.[14] On 22 December he made his debut in Copa del Rey, scoring once in a 8–0 victory over Levante.[15]
On 6 March 2011, after providing two assists in a 3–1 victory over Racing Santander, Özil was greatly praised by worldwide media thanks to his performance on the pitch, thus consolidating his outstanding season so far.[16] He finished the 2010–11 season with Madrid with 25 assists, the highest for any player in any major European competition that season.
Özil began wearing the number 10 shirt for Real Madrid in 2011–12, signalling Jose Mourinho's intent to use the German international as his main playmaker.[17] On 14 August 2011, Özil scored his first goal against Barcelona in the first leg of the 2011 Supercopa de España.[18] On 17 August 2011, Özil was sent off in the last minute of the second leg of the 2011 Supercopa de España after an altercation with David Villa.[19] Özil expressed his desire to end his football days at the club in an interview with German magazine kicker, saying "I'd like to end my career at Real Madrid. I know it will be difficult because I have many more years ahead of me and many younger and good players will also be out there, but I want to be part of that future. I know what I'm capable of and I'm convinced I'll stay at Real Madrid many years."[20]
Özil was on the short-list of this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or award.[21]
[edit]International career
[edit]Career start
In September 2006, Özil was called up for the Germany U-17 team. Özil has been a member of the German U-21 team since 2007. On 29 June 2009, Özil was selected the man of the match in a 4–0 win over England during the U-21 European Championship final.[3]
He made his debut for the senior side during a friendly match against Norway on 11 February 2009. He scored his first goal for the senior team in his third appearance, another friendly, against South Africa on 5 September in Leverkusen.
[edit]2010 World Cup
Özil was selected for Germanys squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, starting in all of the team's matches. Özil provided an assist for Cacau's goal to the 4-0 final score against Australia in Germany's first group game. He scored a left-footed half-volley from the edge of the penalty area against Ghanain the final group game, ensuring Germany progressed to the second round as group winners.[22] On 27 June 2010, he played in Germany's win over Englandin the last 16 match, setting up the fourth goal with a cross to Thomas Müller as Germany triumphed 4–1.[23] During the quarter-final match against Argentinahe assisted the second goal for Miroslav Klose with a cross to ensure the 4–0 final score for the Germans. FIFA announced that he was among the ten tournament players nominated for the Golden Ball.
[edit]Euro 2012
Özil was one of the leading forces in Germany's qualification for Euro 2012, he scored five times during the campaign as Germany won 10 out of 10 games to top their group.[24] Özil also confirmed his reputation as a decisive passer, as he provided 7 assists, more than any European international during Euro 2012 qualification.[25][26] On 29 February 2012, Özil was recognised as Germany's best international of the year for 2011 prior to kick-off at a friendly against France in Bremen.[27][28]
[edit]Style of play
Germany Under-21 manager Horst Hrubesch once said, "We in Germany are prone to rave about foreign players. We praise Wayne Rooney to the heavens, likewise (Cristiano) Ronaldo or Messi. But we have our own Messi. Our Messi is Özil." [29] Özil brings finesse and improvisation to the midfield and his magical left-foot can open any doors. Özil possesses great footwork and is known for his amazing passes in difficult situations, setting up his teammates for strikes on goal. He has superb ball control and has great awareness of the game on the pitch, which at its best can devastate any defence. He also boasts a powerful shot from distance, as evident during his match against Ghana during the 2010 FIFA World Cup or in the Euro 2012qualifier against Belgium where in the latter match he scored a goal which has been described as a 'piece of art'.[3][30] Germany coach Joachim Löw hails Özil for his 'genius moments' and his performance without the ball.[31] Real Madrid Teammate Xabi Alonso describes Özil as "the kind of player you don't find these days" adding "He understands the game, sees things, combines and thrives between the lines, unlocking teams", while Mourinho says "Ozil is unique. There is no copy of him – not even a bad copy".[32]
His nicknames have included "der Rabe" (The Raven, or in Spanish, "El Cuervo") – playing on his smart and opportunistic style of play,[33] and at Werder Bremen “der neue Diego” (the new Diego) in reference to Brazilian Diego whose playmaker role he inherited,[34] "German Messi"[35] and "German Zidane".[36] At Real Madrid he's supposedly called "Nemo" – in reference to the clownfish Nemo from the Pixar movie Finding Nemo.[32][37] His attacking midfield partnership in Germany internationals with young talent Mario Götze has earned the 'magic duo' the nickname Götzil, alluding to their similar playing positions, technique, abilities and style of play.[38]
[edit]Personal life
Özil is a third-generation Turkish-German,[39][40][41][42] who, in reference to his game, concludes, "My technique and feeling for the ball is the Turkish side to my game. The discipline, attitude and always-give-your-all is the German part."[43] His ancestors are from Devrek, Zonguldak in Northern Turkey.[44]
He is a practicing Muslim. He recites the Quran before his matches. Talking to the Berlin-based daily Der Tagesspiegel, Özil said, "I always do that before I go out (on the pitch). I pray and my teammates know that they cannot talk to me during this brief period."[45][46]
In 2010, Özil received the Bambi award for being a prime example of successful integration within German society.[47]
[edit]Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | Cup1 | Europe | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| Schalke 04 | 2006–07 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 1 |
| 2007–08 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 4 | |
| Total | 30 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 1 | 5 | |
| Werder Bremen | 2007–08 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 1 |
| 2008–09 | 28 | 3 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 47 | 5 | 20 | |
| 2009–10 | 31 | 9 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 44 | 9 | 21 | |
| 2010–11 | — | 1 | 0 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | 1 | |||||
| Total | 71 | 13 | 25 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 24 | 0 | 14 | 106 | 15 | 43 | |
| Real Madrid | 2010–11 | 36 | 6 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 6 | 53 | 10 | 25 |
| 2011–12 | 31 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 46 | 3 | 20 | |
| Total | 67 | 7 | 32 | 13 | 4 | 6 | 19 | 2 | 8 | 99 | 13 | 46 | |
| Career totals | 168 | 20 | 62 | 26 | 7 | 10 | 48 | 2 | 22 | 242 | 29 | 94 | |
- 1Includes other competitive competitions, including the Supercopa de España.
[edit]International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 September 2009 | BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany |  South Africa | 2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |||||
| 2 | 23 June 2010 | Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa |  Ghana | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2010 World Cup | |||||
| 3 | 8 October 2010 | Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany |  Turkey | 2–0 | 3–0 | UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying | |||||
| 4 | 7 June 2011 | Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan |  Azerbaijan | 1–0 | 3–1 | UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying | |||||
| 5 | 2 September 2011 | Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany |  Austria | 2–0 | 6–2 | UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying | |||||
| 6 | 2 September 2011 | Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany | Austria | 4–1 | 6–2 | UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying | |||||
| 7 | 11 October 2011 | Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf, Germany |  Belgium | 1–0 | 3–1 | UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying | |||||
| 8 | 15 November 2011 | Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany |  Netherlands | 3–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | |||||
| Correct as of 15 November 2011 | |||||||||||
[edit]Honours
[edit]Club
[edit]Country
- FIFA World Cup: Third place – Bronze medal (2010)
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2009
[edit]Individual
- 2010 FIFA World Cup Most assists (3) (shared with Thomas Müller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kaká & Dirk Kuyt)
- 2009 UEFA European U-21 Championship Final - Man of the match.
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