The Transfer Muppet: Mesut Ozil
Held in high esteem by Europe’s top clubs the German midfielder of Turkish descent has been making quite a name for himself attracting attention from Arsenal, Juventus, Man City.
Described as ‘a one man source of creativity and surprise’, Ozil has ensured that Werder Bremen have not missed Diego with some excellent displays. This season he grabbed 10 goals but more importantly 19 assists for his team mates compared to the 3 goals and 15 assists the season prior (one of which being the winner in the German cup final against Bayer Leverkusen).
Best playing behind the strikers, Ozil acts as an impromptu left winger cutting in from that side. His game is characterised by great pinpoint passing, which is aided by excellent awareness as to where his team mates are and smart runs. He is very direct when dribbling and has pace but I prefer when he has the ball at his feet and is looking for a team mate. He was the heart of the Germany team that tore England’s u21 team to shreds in last summer’s European championship final as Germany ran out 4-0 winners.
His contract expires in June 2011 and Werder Bremen themselves have accepted that they may have to sell him this summer rather than risk losing him for free next summer. He will be in South Africa this summer with Germany and will be looking to shine on the big stage and most likely adding a couple million to his price tag but with his contract situation I doubt Werder will be asking for a monumental fee.