Sporting icons Mesut Özil: The star midfielder of Modern Football, career HLs ,videos

 

Mesut Özil, born on October 15, 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, is widely regarded as one of the most creative and visionary playmakers of his generation. Known for his extraordinary passing ability, vision, and technical finesse, Özil's style of play has set him apart as a maestro in the art of midfield playmaking. Throughout his career, he has played for some of Europe’s top clubs, earning a place among the game’s elite.

Style of Play

Özil’s style of play is characterized by:

Exceptional Vision and Passing: Özil is known for his ability to spot and execute passes that few others can see. His playmaking is precise, and he is particularly adept at threading through-balls to split defenses.

Fluid Movement and Positioning: Operating mainly as an attacking midfielder or No. 10, Özil is known for his intelligent movement, drifting between the lines to receive the ball in dangerous positions.

Calmness under Pressure: Özil has an almost effortless ability to control the ball and dictate the tempo of the game, even in high-pressure situations.

Playmaker Role: He excels in creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates, consistently ranking among the top assist providers throughout his career.

Technical Finesse: Özil’s technical skill is unmatched in terms of close control, dribbling, and first touch, allowing him to manipulate tight spaces and keep the ball under pressure.

Career Highlights in Detail

Club Career

1. Schalke 04 (2006–2008):

Özil began his professional career at Schalke 04, breaking into the first team at the age of 17. His performances as a young midfielder attracted attention for his creativity, although his time at Schalke was brief.

2. Werder Bremen (2008–2010):

Özil’s breakthrough came after moving to Werder Bremen, where he developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting talents. During the 2008–09 season, he helped Bremen win the DFB-Pokal and reach the UEFA Cup final, showcasing his ability to create chances and perform on the big stage.

His form at Bremen earned him a call-up to the German national team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he truly announced himself on the global stage.

3. Real Madrid (2010–2013):

Özil’s performances at the 2010 World Cup earned him a move to Real Madrid under José Mourinho. At Madrid, he quickly became a key figure, playing alongside stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. His ability to assist and create space made him a fan favorite.

Özil played a crucial role in Madrid’s La Liga triumph in 2011–12, providing the most assists in the league that season and forming a lethal attacking partnership with Ronaldo. He also won the Copa del Rey in 2011 and the Spanish Super Cup in 2012.

During his time at Real Madrid, Özil recorded an astounding number of assists and was often considered the best playmaker in Europe.

4. Arsenal (2013–2021):

In 2013, Özil made a high-profile move to Arsenal for a then club-record fee. His arrival revitalized the Gunners' attacking play, and he quickly became the focal point of their creative output.

Özil was instrumental in Arsenal’s success in the FA Cup, helping them win the trophy in 2014, 2015, and 2017. In particular, his contributions in the 2015–16 season were remarkable, as he racked up 19 assists in the Premier League, narrowly missing the record for most assists in a single season.

His technical brilliance, vision, and composure on the ball helped Arsenal qualify for the UEFA Champions League consistently during his peak years.

In 2020, he was a part of the squad that won another FA Cup, although his playing time diminished under new management.

5. Fenerbahçe and Istanbul Başakşehir (2021–2023):

Özil moved to Fenerbahçe in 2021 after leaving Arsenal. His stint at the Turkish club was met with mixed success, as injuries limited his playing time. He later joined Istanbul Başakşehir, where he spent the final months of his career before announcing his retirement in 2023.

International Career

1. 2010 FIFA World Cup:

Özil burst onto the global scene during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where he was one of the standout players. He helped Germany reach the semifinals with his dazzling playmaking, and his performances earned him widespread acclaim. Özil's ability to unlock defenses and provide assists made him a vital part of Germany’s youthful and exciting squad.

2. UEFA Euro 2012:

Özil was a key player for Germany during the 2012 European Championship, where they reached the semifinals. His performances were again lauded for his creativity and composure under pressure.

3. 2014 FIFA World Cup:

The pinnacle of Özil’s international career came in 2014 when he played a crucial role in Germany’s World Cup-winning campaign. He featured in all of Germany’s matches and was instrumental in their 4-0 victory over Portugal in the group stage and their historic 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semifinals. Özil’s contribution to the team’s creative play was vital in their victory, and he played the full match as Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to win the World Cup.

4. Retirement from International Football:

Özil controversially retired from international football in 2018, citing issues with the German Football Federation and the media over alleged racial discrimination. Despite the premature end to his international career, he remains one of Germany’s finest talents.

Great Goals

While Özil was more known for his assists, he scored several important goals throughout his career, such as:

A stunning long-range goal for Germany against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup, securing Germany’s progression to the knockout stages.

Key goals for Real Madrid in the Champions League and for Arsenal in domestic competitions, often showcasing his calm finishing under pressure.

Achievements and Titles

Club Achievements:

La Liga: 2011–12 (Real Madrid)

Copa del Rey: 2010–11 (Real Madrid)

FA Cup: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2019–20 (Arsenal)

Spanish Super Cup: 2012 (Real Madrid)

International Achievements:

FIFA World Cup: 2014 (Germany)

Legacy

Mesut Özil’s legacy is defined by his incredible creativity and vision as a playmaker. He redefined the No. 10 role with his effortless ability to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His vision, intelligence, and technical brilliance allowed him to succeed at the highest levels of football, both for his clubs and the German national team.

Master Playmaker: Özil will be remembered as one of the best playmakers of his generation. His ability to provide assists, often with inch-perfect passes, made him a joy to watch.

World Cup Winner: Being a key part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad cements Özil’s place in the history of German football.

Role Model for Immigrant Communities: As the son of Turkish immigrants, Özil's success in Germany and globally inspired many young players from minority backgrounds. However, his career was also marked by controversy surrounding his identity, particularly in his retirement from international football.

Arsenal’s Talisman: During his peak years at Arsenal, Özil was the creative heart of the team and remains beloved by fans for his contributions to their successes in the FA Cup.

Mesut Özil’s footballing intelligence, elegance, and mastery of the assist will leave a lasting impact on the game, with many considering him a true modern-day artist on the pitch.

In the below video , watch Ozil's high level skills that mark him as an outstanding player