Goal.com 50: Mesut Oezil (43)

44. Arjen Robben (Real Madrid & Netherlands)

43. MESUT OEZIL (Werder Bremen & Germany)

42. Patrice Evra (Manchester United & France)

Bundesliga outfit Schalke must really be kicking themselves at the fact that they let Mesut Oezil slip through their fingers. Born in Gelsenkirchen, the youngster rose through their youth ranks to become a Koenigsblauen first-teamer at the age of just 17. However, a dispute over a new contract and his wage increase led to an argument in January 2008, and with a separation on the cards, Werder stepped in to snap up the young talent.

The past season was a rocky one for both Werder Bremen and Oezil, but a serious improvement towards the end of the campaign and three cup final appearances saw the 20-year-old’s stock rise and interest in him sky-rocket.

The Bundesliga campaign began so brightly for the Green and Whites, with a highly impressive 5-2 away win over title favourites Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. The midfielder set up the first two goals and scored the third himself to cap a fine man of the match performance. 

Werder struggled in the lower reaches of the table for the majority of the season, but the silver lining in their and Oezil’s season were final appearances in the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Cup. Disappointment ensued in the UEFA Cup final as Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk beat the Germans 2-1 after extra-time, with the pressure very much on Oezil during the final as Diego was suspended from the final. 

However, there was more joy in the DFB Pokal final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, a match in which Oezil hit the only goal of the game as Werder claimed the cup against Bayer Leverkusen. 

Last season also saw the Werder midfielder commit his international future to Germany rather than Turkey, with his debut in the Nationalelf’s February friendly against Norway.   

Despite having played for Germany at all junior levels and having given up his Turkish nationality in 2007, the Turkish FA and coach Fatih Terim were determined not to lose such a talented individual. Emotional tactics were employed as the Altintop twins (also born in Gelsenkirchen to Turkish parents) were sent to persuade Oezil to choose Turkey. 

Oezilliant | Starring for Germany's U-21s vs Spain

The matter even became a political pawn, with Turkey having heated debates over roots, honour and the fatherland, while German politicians praised Oezil’s final decision to choose Germany as a positive indication of the positive integration enjoyed within the country’s borders. 

"The fact that he chose the DFB is a great signal! Oezil can set an example for millions of people in Germany," proclaimed joint chair of the Green Party, Claudia Roth. 

Oezil’s season wasn’t over following the DFB Pokal victory as he travelled to Sweden with the Under-21 side to compete at the European Championship finals. He was named man of the match in Germany's scoreless draw against Spain to open the competition, before then setting up both goals in Germany's 2-0 win over Finland - his 24th and 25th assists in all competitions this season.

The icing on the cake however came in the final as Oezil inspired Germany to a 4-0 win over England and once again rightly walked away with the man of the match award, having scored one and set up two more. 

Such has been the rise of Oezil this season and such is his talent that clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly ready to offer Werder big bucks to prise him away from the Weserstadion. However, the Bundesliga club see him as the heir to Diego’s throne and will be loathe to let him go.   

2008-09 HONOURS

Werder Bremen
UEFA Cup Runner-Up, 2009

DFB Pokal, 2009

Germany U-21
European Championship, 2009

Mathew Burt, Goal.com

44. Arjen Robben (Real Madrid & Netherlands)

43. MESUT OEZIL (Werder Bremen & Germany)

42. Patrice Evra (Manchester United & France)