With all the dull ties in the first stage of the Champions League it was refreshing last night to watch 2 European greats clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 2 sides between them have won the trophy 16 times and the pedigree of players on display last night was sublime; World Cup Winners, multiple Champions League winners, Ballon d’Or winners, I could go on.
There was however, a 22 year old playing last night who cannot compete with some player’s individual or club honours but can certainly compete in terms of technical ability. Mesut Ozil was one of the great discoveries of the World Cup for me; I had heard him mentioned but had never seen him until then. I am now an avid fan of his and he is one of the most enjoyable players to watch; he doesn’t play act, plays the game simply and seems to really enjoy it which is rare to see these days.
The goal he scored last night was rather fortunate but was deserved for some of his magnificent interplay on the edge of the Milan area. He was almost playing one-twos for fun last night with Ronaldo, with whom he has already struck up a great understanding. He has never had an outstanding goal record but he does exactly what Mourinho asks him to do; link the midfield and attack, which he does effortlessly. Whatever happens at Madrid this season ‘los Blancos’ can be extremely happy that Ozil will be around for many years to come.
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