3 players who are likely to replace Ozil in the centre attacking midfield role for Germany

Modified Jul 23, 2018 20:33 GMT

Korea Republic v Germany: Group F - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The departure of the powerful German team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the group stage was shocking and painful for all the German supporters in the world. It was further aggravated by the retirement of Mesut Ozil on Sunday from the national team. It has surprised the world as he has given some serious reasons for his abrupt decision.

He has cited racism in the DFB as the main reason for departing from the international stage. Ozil has said that he is treated as a German when the team wins, and as an immigrant when Germany losses. He claims he had been disrespected and chided by his own management and fans for meeting the Turkish President before the start of the World Cup.

With the loss of such an important player, Germany will find it difficult to find a suitable replacement for Ozil, who had the ability to dominate possession, break the opposition's defence with his innovative passes and whip in wonderful crosses for the German attackers from the wings. Despite having a poor 2018 FIFA World Cup, Ozil has age on his side as he is only 29 and hence he would have contributed significantly in the years to come for Germany.

Let us look at the three players who are top candidates to replace Mesut Ozil in the center-attacking midfield position for Germany.

#3 Marco Reus

Marco Reus is one of the most talented players which the German National Team possesses amongst its ranks. Having played in the last two group matches in Germany's disastrous 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage exit, Marco Reus was awarded the Man of the Match award for his excellent performance against Sweden which gave Germany a chance to qualify for the knockout stage.

Being a superb athlete, he has the ability to control possession, deliver a perfect pass to his teammates in order to penetrate the opposition's defense and can also whip in a dangerous cross in the box. Hence, these abilities are synonymous with Mesut Ozil. Additionally, he has also got the scintillating pace to run behind the opposition's defense.

Being injury prone, Reus's fitness will play a key role in deciding whether he can be the perfect replacement for Mesut Ozil.

#2 Thomas Muller

Thomas Muller was probably one of the biggest flops at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Despite being the top scorer for Germany at the previous two World Cups (2010 and 2014), he failed miserably to open his account in this World Cup and was left on the bench in the decisive third group match against South Korea.

With the young forward Timo Werner in the starting line-up, Muller was shifted to the right wing. Shifting the best goalscorer of Germany in the right wing was one of the key mistakes committed by Joachim Low at the World Cup. With his amazing skills of a poacher and the ability to run behind the defense, Muller should probably occupy a more central role in the future.

Hence, he is likely to be one of the top contenders to occupy the role of the centre attacking midfielder after Ozil's shocking retirement.

#1 Leon Goretzka

Goretzka is a young and talented player of Germany. Having started only once for Germany in their disappointing World Cup campaign, he is one of the brightest talents in the midfield to watch out for in the coming years. Having helped Schalke finished second behind league champions Bayern Munich last season, Goretzka has joined Bayern on a free transfer this season.

Being physically strong and tall, Goretzka has the ability to control the ball, shoot from distance, and superb heading ability. He is a versatile player who is often compared with compatriots Michael Ballack and Lothar Matthaus due to his control and command in midfield. With a height of 1.89m, he is a very dangerous player from set-pieces.

Due to his young age, Goretzka has a great chance of cementing his place in the German team by successfully filling the void left by the sudden retirement of Ozil.

Edited by Ben Winfield