Mesut Ozil: German U21 Sensation - Perfect Investment for Liverpool, United or Arsenal
One of the stars of the recent U21 European Championships in Sweden was the young German playmaker Mesut Ozil. The 20-year-old Werder Bremen youngster played a large part in Germany’s success in the tournament including a man-of-the-match display in the 4-0 final win over England.
Ozil also enjoyed a superb 2008/09 season for his club side as Werder won the German Cup and finished runners-up in the Uefa Cup. The midfielder made a total of 28 league appearances (20 starts) while scoring 3 goals. He also started both cup finals including scoring the winner against Bayer Leverkusen in the domestic cup final 1-0 win.
The 20-year-old was born in Gelsenkirchen but is of Turkish descent. He began his career with Schalke with whom he made 30 league appearances (13 starts) without scoring. In his first season, his club finished runners-up in the Bundesliga. However, during the 2008 January transfer window he made a £4.3m move to Werder tying him to his current club until June 2011. In doing so he became the most expensive teenage transfer in Germany. Clubs such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Arsenal were thought to be interested but not willing to pay that price for such a young talent.
The 5 ft 11 star may have starred at the U21 Championships but he is already a full international after a substitute appearance in the 1-0 home friendly win over Norway back in February. Ozil is tipped to be one of the stars of the national side in years to come. Certainly his performances gained a lot of praise in Sweden. Defeated England U21 coach Stuart Pearce said, “I think Özil is an outstanding player who has played very well in this tournament,” he said.
“He takes up intelligent positions on the pitch and was a threat to us. Well done to him and to Germany.”
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Ozil is nicknamed the ‘New Diego’ which is praise indeed and is tipped to replace the Brazilian who left for Juventus as the star of the Werder team. He is exceptionally skilful with an eye for a pass as illustrated by Ozil creating more goals than any other player at the recent tournament in Sweden. He is a good dribbler and set-piece specialist and at 20-years-old is expected to be the main creative force behind the German national team for years to come.
The midfielder can play wide on the flanks, in central midfield and even as a 2nd striker as shown in Sweden. He would not come cheap but would surely be an excellent investment for the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United while he is not yet a national team regular. Both Liverpool and Manchester United are looking to add more creativity to their ranks this summer and a £15m bid may be difficult for Werder Bremen to turn down in the current financial climate. Liverpool may lose Xabi Alonso while United have lost Cristiano Ronaldo’s creativity plus Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are coming to the end of their superb careers.
Arsenal face the threat of Barcelona continuing to unsettle their captain Cesc Fabregas and the German star could be groomed to replace him. However, after selling Diego to Juventus for £22.3m, Werder may be loathed to lose another fans favourite.
Do you like the look of Mesut Ozil? Would he be a good signing for your club despite his age? Let’s hear your views.
Tags: Arsenal, Germany, Liverpool, Manchester United, Mesut Ozil, Schalke, U21 European CHampionships, Werder Bremen
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:48
Not for Liverpool, at 20 he’s not enough experience. If we had money to burn then of course as an investment, but Liverpool now need a player on the left that has had experience playing at a high level for a sustained period of time. Personally i’d go for Silva or Ashley Young. Silva has had success playing in La Liga working with and against top quality players, Ashley young has proved he has the quality to be a top player in the premier league. They are young too but that 2 or 3 years of experience makes all the difference.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:17
Great investment if you could buy him for 15 mil.No chance Bremen would sell him this summer and if he plays more consistent at this level, he be up for sale in a year or two but certainly not for cheap. One of the greatest talents in the world right now.
July 5th, 2009 at 14:46
This guy will be the best player in the world very soon. He’s got everything you would want in a player. He’s the most amazing young player I have ever seen and Germany’s best player right now. Werder will not sell him for 15m and I dare to say they won’t sell him for 40m either. They know what they’ve got and selling him would be a stupid move.
July 6th, 2009 at 06:04
He would be a perfect replacement for arsenal cesc fabregas… Wenger should defentily go and sign him with Naldo for defensive part
August 5th, 2009 at 22:03
Bring him to Arsenal!!!! I can just see him scoring and assisting galore in a red and white jersey in north london. Perfect fit for our style! C’mon Arsene Wenger, we beg you to bring us this amazing talent!