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Goal.com 50: Mesut Ozil (8)

Our definitive countdown of the best players of 2010-11 continues with the Germany international, who had a breakthrough year in his first season at Real Madrid

Welcome to the Goal.com 50! In this special series, Goal.com editors worldwide vote for the top 50 players of 2010-11. We count down to the announcement of the winner on August 22 with profiles of each and every player who made it into the top 50...

One unfortunate casualty of the modern game is the No. 10 position. There once was a time when a playmaker would be able to show off a range of skills in the centre of the park. However, since the creation of ultra-light footballs, arguably his greatest asset, the through ball, has become a rarity. It has simply become too difficult for almost any player to consistently measure his through pass. But not for Mesut Ozil.

When he joined Real Madrid last summer, the then-21-year old Ozil was largely expected to play as back-up to former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka. However, the Brazilian’s injuries and loss of form gave the former Werder Bremen a chance to shine. And shine he did. In his first year in Madrid, the Germany international affirmed the class he showed at the 2010 World Cup and took his game to the next level. For his performances, Ozil earned the coveted No. 10 shirt, a tribute to his development and the esteem in which he is held in the Spanish capital.

"Ozil can have Real Madrid built around him for the next decade. Zidane was an absolute legend, and maybe it is too early to make a comparison, but he has everything needed to become a true world star.”

- Emilio Butragueno

Ozil’s most recognisable trait is his playmaking ability, and in this area he is second to none. In the Champions League, no player assisted more goals than he did; in the Spanish Primera, only Lionel Messi. These feats are particularly impressive given that the former Werder Bremen man rarely lasted for 90 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo will be remembered for his 53 goals, but Ozil was his right-hand man; the Gelsenkirchen native provided the service for 12 of those strikes.

Mesut supplied nearly 1/4 of Ronaldo's Record-Breaking Goal Count in 2010/11.

As part of his cultural upbringing in Germany, Ozil emphasises efficacy over flair. Yet, a certain elegance characterises his play. He is not the type to perform a dozen step-overs before taking on his defender one-on-one; instead, he distributes the ball in a way that brings beauty out of the simple. He has an uncommonly efficient economy, always making the right decision either in his movement or distribution in the lead-up play. And when the proper time comes, he plays the dagger ball of which every striker dreams.

As it will be for many Germany and Real Madrid players, the coming season is critical for Ozil as he looks to take the next step in his career. Though he managed to lead Real to the Copa Del Rey title in his first season, even more will be expected of him in the coming months if he is to affirm his position among the world’s elite.

With his German National Teammates Against Italy.

Along with Ronaldo, Ozil will be expected to lead Madrid to their first La Liga title in four years, and end a decade-long Champions League drought. And at the end of it all, the burden will be on him to lead Germany to their first major trophy since 1996.

"A certain elegance characterises [Ozil's] play. He is not the type to perform a dozen step-overs before taking on his defender one-on-one; instead, he distributes the ball in a way that brings beauty out of the simple."

Ozil has drawn widespread comparisons to Zinedine Zidane, but the most glaring difference between the two is seen in their trophy count. Still just 22, however, he has a chance to win his first major international title far earlier than his predecessor. Surrounded by an ample supporting cast for both club and country, the table is set for a potentially stellar season: it is now up to him to make the next step.