Mesut Özil: "I have become stronger in Real Madrid"

Mesut Özil, who is currently with his national team to play two qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup, spoke to the German Football Association press of his time with Real Madrid. The midfielder acknowledged having improved significantly in the three years he has been in Spain under Mourinho's direction: “I have become stronger physically in Real Madrid and my performance is more consistent. I continue to have fun on the playing field and to enjoy football. Of course I have matured as a football player and I'm more experienced”.

Mesut Özil

In spite of his great form, Özil expressed his ambition to continue to advance his game: “I realise that there are still aspects of my playing to improve. Above all in terms of goal statistics. My numbers could be better. I could take more shots at goal even though I'm a playmaker and my job is to set up goals rather than score them. That's what I will focus on. But that doesn't mean I won't try to score more”.

Valladolid 2 - 3 Real Madrid (Spanish League, Day 15)

Real Madrid showed courage in Valladolid and got their fourth consecutive win after turning around the scoreboard against a highly motivated team that had put themselves in front on the scoreboard twice in front of a home crowd euphoric with their team’s season so far. Manucho put the home team ahead twice from set pieces, while Benzema, in the first instance, and Özil, with a masterpiece on the stroke of halftime, levelled the match. The visitors’ dominance was overwhelming in the second half and the Whites, who ended up taking off to defenders to bring on Di María and Modric, took the win through an Özil free-kick. The German had a spectacular match and led his team with two goals worthy of framing.

Özil scored a great and important victory goal

The match could not have started worse for Real Madrid. Within seven minutes the scoreboard was against the Whites and they had to make an extra effort to make the comeback in a stadium where Valladolid have only lost once in the eight official matches that they have played there. Valladolid’s goal came in their first jaunt into Casillas’ area. Alvaro Rubio’s corner lead to a series of ricochets in the area before Manucho put the ball into the net from close range.

They needed to make a comeback and the Whites got to work to bring things level on the scoreboard. It only took five minutes to do. Callejon, who along with Nacho were the changes to starting line-up, was very attentive and stole the ball from Balenziaga. He drew in the goalkeeper Dani Hernández and played a square ball to Benzema, who only had to push the ball home. The match was level once again, but it felt like it was going to be short-lived and after the two subsequent Real Madrid chances that fell to Khedira in the 17th minute and Ronaldo, from a free-kick, in the 19th minute they came close to going ahead themselves.

In spite of that, it was Valladolid who again went ahead in a move that was very similar to the first goal of the match. Valladolid’s second corner and Manucho’s second shot that had ended up in the net, this time from a header in the 22nd minute. It was more than the home team deserved for what they had shown in the match so far, who had found refuge in their set pieces, and it made it even more difficult for Real Madrid to get their fourth straight victory against a highly motivated team that had twice gone ahead on the scoreboard and were playing in front of a home crowd that were euphoric with their team’s season so far and understood the significance of what their team were achieving.

Except for an Ebert free-kick, which troubled Casillas, Valladolid did not get back into the visitors’ area during the first half. Real Madrid, however, continued to play well and tried to go in to the dressing room with the match at least all square. The Whites created up to four dangerous scoring chances before Özil scored the second just before the break. The move that produced it was a masterpiece. The German received the ball on the edge of the area, went passed two opponents by combining with Benzema, who laid off back to him with a back heel, before he placed the ball between the legs of Dani Hernández. 2-2 and all to be played for in the remaining 45 minutes.

The evidence that Real Madrid were going to fight for the win until exhaustion was irrefutable and increased further after the break. A brave Mourinho brought on Di Maria and took off Nacho. The Whites dominated and when they didn’t have the ball and they were biting at the heels of Valladolid and didn’t give them a moment to breathe which resulted in the home team not being able to string together more than three passes. Perhaps that is why the scoring chances all came in the home team’s area. Ramos, from a header in the 50th minute, Benzema, from the edge of the box in the 52nd minute, and Ronaldo, also from outside of the area in 55th minute, were the creators.

If anything was on show from Real Madrid it was bravery. Mourinho personified that as much as anyone and removed another defender, specifically Arbeloa, to put on another midfielder: Modric. The match had become end-to-end and Real Madrid kept going for the win. Di María, in the 63rd minute, had a one-on-one with Dani Hernandez, but the goalkeeper came out on top. Ramos did beat him two minutes later, but Pérez Montero incorrectly ruled out the visitors' goal for offside.

The comeback was completed in the 72nd minute in the same manner that both of the home team’s goals had come: from dead balls. It came from a free-kick on the edge of the area that Ronaldo feinted to shoot and Özil hit the ball in such a subtle and precise way, hitting the crossbar that it meant that the outstretched Valladolid goalkeeper could do get now where near. The German had a match worth framing and led his team to their fourth straight win and third in the month of December in which the Whites have won every match that they have played.

Summary

Stadium: Jose Zorrilla
Attendance: 25,000
Goals: 1-0: Min. 6, Manucho. 1-1: Min. 11, Benzema. 2-1: Min. 21, Manucho. 2-2: Min. 44, Özil. 2-3: Min. 71. Özil.

Seven Real Madrid players to win the European Player award

At Euro 2012 Real Madrid had ten players in the semifinals (5 from Spain, 3 in Portugal and 2 from Germany) and it was the most reliable clue about what was perceived as last season: the cyclical change between Real Madrid and Barcelona. UEFA yesterday gave more arguments for this reflection making public the 32 players who in its judgment have deserved to win the Best European Player of the season award.

UEFA Best Player in Europe Trophy

UEFA, to make these assessments, bases its designations on the performances of the players in the Champions League and their national leagues, but in 2012 the Euro has scored a lot, which explains that there are eight members of the Spanish team that defeated Italy at the Euro final: Iker Casillas, Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc, Silva and Torres.

What is significant is that the team with the most nominations is the coached by Mourinho. The seven players chosen are: Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Özil, Pepe and Coentrao. It so happens that Modric is also nominated for his good season at Tottenham, so if Real Madrid signs him, as it looks, the white team would have 8 players on the list. Barcelona has some players nominees (4): Messi, Xavi, Cesc and Iniesta. Have dropped from the lists some players who years ago were fixed; Alves, Pique and Busquets.

At this new trend also underlies the fight for the Golden Ball, which will be decided among four players from both teams: Casillas, Messi, Cristiano and Iniesta. A change cycle that is observed looking at last year's award for Best Player in Europe. It was won by Messi, Xavi second, fourth was Pique and Iniesta ninth. Cristiano, third, was the only Real Madrid player in the Top Ten. In 2011, the UEFA Dream Team had three white players (Iker, Marcelo and Cristiano) and five Catalans (Alves, Pique, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi). Now, nominations for prestigious awards begin to stain in white.

Among the 32 nominees there is a player who is a pride for the Real Madrid fans: Raul Gonzalez. His amazing season at Schalke, 20 goals, that left the German team qualified for the Champions League, has been valued by the UEFA. Raul, 35 years old, who was captain of Real Madrid gets a recognition of his professionalism.

Real Madrid players at Euro 2012

Real Madrid players have stood out in the European Championship. In the list of the 23 best in the tournament, made by the UEFA Technical Committee, there are eight white players on the team: Casillas, Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Cristiano, Pepe, Coentrao, Özil and Khedira. Benzema is not. He did not play his best as well as the France team. Albiol did not play a minute. And Arbeloa, the other Real Madrid player at the Euro 2012, made a couple of great defensive matches against Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Five Real Madrid players are champions of the Euro 2012

In any way, Real Madrid got ten of the eleven players who started the tournament in the semifinals, the club with more presence in that round. It was also the club with more MVP awards, seven, ahead of Wolfsburg and Barcelona, ​​both with three. Two MVP were achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo (against the Netherlands and Czech Republic), two by Özil (Portugal and Greece) and one by Pepe (Denmark), Xabi Alonso (France) and Ramos (in semifinals against Portugal).

The white players were also the top scorers, tied with Manchester City players, with eight goals scored: Cristiano (three), Xabi Alonso (two), and Pepe, Khedira and Özil (one). Also, Casillas was the goalkeeping record of the tournament. These data confirm the strength of the current project of Real Madrid, led by Mourinho, with which now is expected to reach more titles.

Mesut Özil: "Khedira is a reliable player"

The Real Madrid playmaker, Mesut Özil, talked with the German media and referred to the excellent play by Sami Khedira with the German national team in this Euro 2012 Championship and wanted to distance himself from those who see that Khedira's performance decreases with Real Madrid. "I do not understand the criticism, Sami is a player who regularly plays for the best team in the world. He always plays good, you can trust him one hundred percent" he said.

Khedira and Özil at Euro 2012

"I am proud to play alongside him in the national team and for Real Madrid. Khedira has got a super evolution. About him I also said he is of the best midfielders of the world" said Mesut Özil, who also wanted to highlight the work of Joachim Löw coaching the Germany team: "He is a very good coach. Is one of the best in the world. He could coach Real Madrid? Of course, why not? Has quality to do it" he said.

Besides he does not envisage another future that Real Madrid: "I have still a contract until 2016. I love the city where the sun shines often and I have many friends there. The people are quiet. I do not know what the future holds but I am happy in Madrid" he finished.

Mesut Özil is having a good performance at Euro 2012. He has showed glimpses of his quality. Against Portugal, was named MVP. He gave a recital of football with 42 good passes and only 9 bad. Against the Netherlands he did not play his best but was close to score. Against Denmark had a good performance (55 good passes). In addition, gave an assist. In the last German match, agasint Greece in the quarterfinals, was named again MVP and gave two goal assists.

Mesut Özil: "Zinedine Zidane is my idol"

Mesut Özil gave an interview to German media. He recognizes that his idol is Zinedine Zidane and talks about his beginnings in the world of football. Also comments his situation at Real Madrid and his potential to be champion of Europe with Germany.

Mesut Özil

Let's talk about the weather. Does it really make a difference to your game, come rain or shine?
No, this has no effect. Of course I enjoy the play when the sun is shining and the weather is perfect. But rain does not matter. I have been playing football for years, since I was six. Rain, sun, snow ... as a child I went to kick in all weather conditions, immediately after school on the football field.

You have learned the game in a field called "monkey cage" in your home town, Gelsenkirchen. How would you describe it?
The site is fenced, so the ball is never out of bounds and it goes on and on. We usually played five against five or six against six. And I was the smallest. I often gambled with the ball.

Gambled?
Zinedine Zidane was my idol. We tried to imitate his tricks, that we saw on TV, on the football field. Surprisingly, this has always worked for me very easily. The others took a bit longer.

Why do you admire Zidane?
For me he was a complete player. Technically he was the strong player I have seen.

At that time many have raved about Zidane's feats or tricks. Khedira, your teammate at Real Madrid, however, once told: "His playing was beautiful because of his simplicity".
As a child you pay attention on it because is amazing, except for Sami (laughs). Zidane was a great player because he had great tricks. Of tactical things I have no idea. As a professional, I recognize, of course, that Zidane was an important player for the team.

People call you in Spain as the new Zidane. Even you wear the number 10.
I would never compare myself with him, even when I am playing now at the highest level. Of course I am very proud to play for such a big club like Real Madrid. It is a honor for me. But Zidane is a different player. He was a player with world-wide success that I still lack. I have to prove myself first.

You can achieve it at the European Championships. Can the German team defeat the Spaniard this time?
Everyone is talking only about the Spaniards. Of course they are favorites, but there are other nations that will compete for the title. We will have our opportunities but it's a long way, and it will be definitely very difficult.

You have a play that dominates the matches. Not only in the national team, but also at Real Madrid, perhaps the biggest club in the world with the most demanding audience. How do you deal with this responsibility?
Frankly, I do not think about it. For me it is still as when I was ten years. If I am on the field, I just want to have fun.

Kaka and Özil could play together at the Camp Nou

Kaka and Özil together in a match at Santiago Bernabeu

Mourinho looks to surprise at the Camp Nou with Kaka's return to the starting lineup. So the Portuguese would raise the penalty to the Brazilian, who did not play a minute neither against Bayern nor against Sporting. Real Madrid coach did not like the defensive stance of Kaka during the derby against Atletico. Kaka started the game but was replaced in half time.

Mourinho is considering the possibility of starting with Özil and Kaka, a tandem that does not know defeat when they played as starters. The two midfielders have played 12 games together this season with a record of ten wins and two draws. In addition, the formula worked on 25 January in the Spanish Cup semifinal when Real Madrid tied (2-2) and offered an image of superiority against the Barca team. Also, Kaka played one of his best games as Real Madrid player at the Camp Nou with Pellegrini on the bench (1-0).

"We do not lose when Kaka and I are in the starting lineup", said Özil in Kicker. Barcelona is obligated to win three points in this classic to continue putting pressure on Real Madrid in the league. Meanwhile, Guardiola will have to think in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Chelsea next Tuesday.

Di Maria will be the victim in this scheme. Mourinho could reserve him for the second half and take advantage of his speed when the fatigue factor goes into the scenary. Coach poses use him as a plunger, as did against Valencia or Sporting, when the white team went into halftime with a tie on the scoreboard.

The Argentine reappeared on March 31 against Osasuna after overcoming his hamstring injury in the proximal portion of the right rectus femoris. Since then he has played 260 minutes, divided in five games (two starts).

Mesut Özil: "Real Madrid can win all the titles this year"

Mesut Özil

Today, German football hopes to qualify for the EuroCup tournament against Austria...
If we use our potential in the field, we will get the three points, that's for sure. But Austria it's a team that plays very well and will fight hard.

You go back to Gelsenkirchen, your hometown. Will you feel something special tonight?
Sure. I played at Schalke. My family and friends will come to the stadium to watch the game. I am delighted to be here again.

Real Madrid has started the season with a crushing victory, 6-0 in Zaragoza, and playing good football. What did you think about the headlines in the newspapers about you?
I'm glad I played a good game. But the praise must go to the team that supported me all the time. Impossible to play best.

How do you explain the great physical condition with which you have just started the season?
I'm in great condition, better prepared than ever. Last year we had a long involvement in the World Cup (semifinalist), then I started training with Werder Bremen and later in Madrid. This year everything has been different. It's been a tough preseason.

Why?
The trips to U.S.A., to China, the time difference... It was nice but also very exhausting.

Is that why Low did not call you for the match against Brazil?
Yes, that was fine. So other players could play. They had a spectacular performance against Brazil.

You have become more mature from you are abroad...
I had learned a lot in Bremen and Schalke, but abroad is something else. I am very happy with how things have gone for me. I feel really good in Madrid and, of course, very happy to play for Real. People are very friendly and in the meantime, I do better with the language.

You lost the Spanish Super Cup against FC Barcelona. Is Real Madrid again one step under the big rival?
I do not think so. Naturally we would have liked to win the Super Cup. But we saw in the two games that we are very close to them, we can compete with them. It will be very interesting to see the League, Champions and Spanish Cup titles. We want all three and I am sure we can win.

Whence comes this optimism?
We must not forget that the Barcelona players have been playing many years together. In these two years, Real Madrid has made many signings, but you can see that we understand each other better on the field, we are much stronger. We have taken a step further on last season.

Is also the German national team one step closer to the Spanish?
Yes, we are very regular, we won almost every game against great national teams. We can believe in ourselves and believe in ourselves. It is time for Germany to get a great title. And I am sure.

If you could get a title this season, which would you choose?
I want all.

Squad: Mesut Özil (10)

Mesut Özil

A constant work in progress, Mesut Ozil has quickly earned a reputation as an elegant and versatile midfielder. His knack for the final pass, his free-flowing movement on every third of the pitch and his exquisite left foot earned Ozil a spot in Shalke 04's academy in 2005. It only took one season for the midfielder to earn his promotion to the first team and he made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 17.

During the winter transfer window 0f 2008, Ozil completed a switch to Werder Bremen, where he played over 60 matches and scored 13 goals. With Werder, the midfielder went on to win the 2009 DFB Cup and the 2009 DFL Supercup. On an individual level, Ozil was rewarded for his outstanding Bundesliga play by being named the best player of the first leg of the 2009 season.

Ozil is paving the way for the German national team's new generation of players. Although of Turkish decent, his entire life has been committed to Germany. He played for the Under-17 side and moved his way up to the Under-21 side, which won the 2009 European Championship. Ozil provided two assists and scored a goal in the final against England.

His debut with the senior side dates back to 12 August 2009, when Germany defeated Azerbaijan. Ozil continued to impress in World Cup qualifiers and by the end of the 2010 World Cup was among the ten finalists for the Golden Boot.

Data

• Place of Birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
• Date of Birth: 10/15/1988
• Position: Midfielder
• Weight: 70 kg.
• Height: 181 cm.
• Nationality: German

Honours

• La Liga (Spanish League): 2011/12
• Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup): 2010/11
• Spanish Super Cup: 2012
• DFB Cup: 2009
• DFL Supercup: 2009
• UEFA Cup runner-up: 2009
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2009

Mesut Özil: "The aim is to win all the titles"

Mesut Özil at the press room

Mesut Özil adressed the media at the press room of the sports city of Valdebebas and said: "The aim this season is to win all the titles. We are stronger than last year", commented Real Madrid midfielder.

Real Madrid player stressed the importance of mate Kaka, questioned for his performances in preseason games and said: "Kaka and I have a very good personal relationship. He is a very important player to us. He helps the team considerably and he and all of us are aware of his enormous potential. I have a very good relationship with him and we need him".

He also talked about Khedira and Sahin, two good friends in the locker room: "Sahin and Khedira are important to the team. Nuri's been unlucky with his injury, but I'm sure they'll both be back on 14 August and I'll feel very happy for them".

He also referred to the situation of players like Pedro Leon and Royston Drenthe, who trained alone yesterday because the coaching staff does not want them in the template for next season: "It's sad, but personally I think we will be happy to find a solution as soon as possible. The best thing for the players and the club is to find a solution and I am convinced that they will do", he said.

In addition, he declined to talk about the first official game that Real Madrid will have to play against Barcelona in the Supercopa of Spain in the month of August: "Rather than on the Spanish Super Cup, we'd rather concentrate on the work we're doing in the preseason and on recovering all our injured players". Although he said the goals for this year: "This team is more mature. We felt strong in the games we've already played. We have the potential to defeat anyone and our objective is to win many titles. We will fight for them all".

Finally, neither spoke about the feelings that he has wearing the shirt with the number ten: "We are in the preseason. So far I have worn the number ten shirt. On that I do not want to say anything, you will see the number that I will take".

German player: Title earned

It seems that the next Real Madrid signings will return to German origin denomination, although in their veins run Turkish blood of their families (in fact, both play with the Turkish national team). Sahin and Altintop, both born in the territory of Germany, will increase the German lineage in Real Madrid.

In recent years, Metzelder went unnoticed and Özil, by far, justified the fifteen million euros were paid to Werder Bremen for his signing. With his quality has managed to forget Guti and many people have considered that the usual absences of Kaka, due to injury, have been minimized thanks to a strong performance of German international. Do not forget that Özil arrived in Madrid after his stunning World Cup in South Africa.

The curious thing about this German "flow" is that Madrid went on to win at least one title in each season in which was reinforced by a German player. Netzer, a blonde who came in his last time as a player, opened the way for the Germans in the summer of 1973. Then came Breitner, the evergreen Stielike, Schuster (as talented as controversial), Illgner, the goalkeeper of the Seventh European Cup and Metzelder. With Özil and Khedira has remained the good luck and team has won the "Copa del Rey". With Sahin and Altintop, the list of Germans will be ten.

Özil and Khedira

Özil
Only 22 years old and in Sevilla played his 50th match with the Madrid, where is already the king of assists (22) ahead of Di Maria (19) and Cristiano (10). His left foot and great vision of play dazzle the fans. Just needs more physical, but he is a potential "crack".

Khedira
Just turned 24 years, this German with Tunisian father has earned the confidence of Mourinho, but not the Bernabeu fans. He came endorsed by the great World Cup and the Portuguese coach made ​​him a starter in the Spanish Cup final and the big games of the season ahead of Lass.

Metzelder
He came to Madrid as one of the most promising central defenders of Germany and could even play on the left side despite his height (1.94 m). But nothing to do with reality. He was hooking injury after another until play only 30 games in three seasons with the white team. Cristophe went Schalke as came, free.

Illgner
Capello got his way. Buyo, too short for his taste and Canizares, with little experience, were not worth. He arrived at the age of 29, with a reputation for sober and with a very attractive wife who was also his manager. In Madrid won a League title, two European Cups and one Intercontinental. And while, appeared a young man called to make history: Iker Casillas.

Schuster
He could read the game in the field and then execute a plan with great precision. Mendoza took advantage of a crisis of German player at Barcelona after eight years there, to sign him and stir the controversy between the teams. Two seasons later went on to Atletico.

Stielike
Sacrifice and power in midfield. Madrid was coming off one of its worst seasons (76-77): ninth in the League, eliminated in the second round of the Champions League and in third round of the Spanish Cup. Bernabéu decided to turn with Wolf, Juanito and Stielike and the team resurfaced. He raised four League titles, two Spanish Cups and one UEFA Cup. He was signed to replace Breitner.

Breitner
He was the Santiago Bernabeu's response to the emergence of Cruyff at Barcelona. Bernabeu asked his staff what German player they liked more in World Cup 74 and signed Breitner. Madrid won the League and the Spanish Cup in his fierst season. Breitner was an "industrial" midfielder.

Netzer
Bernabéu fell in love with his cerebral play at Euro 1972. He "jumped" to Madrid from Moenchengladbach, which also exported Simonsen Jensen and Stielike to Spain. With 28 years became the first German to play in the Spanish league. He won the Spanish Cup in his first year in white.

Real Madrid Girlfriends: Aida Yespica (23)

Aida Maria Yespica Jaime was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, July 15, 1982. She is 28 year old model and a Venezuela TV personality. She is known primarily in Italy, Spain and Venezuela and was the girlfriend of football player Matteo Ferrari, with whom she has a son, Aron.

She became famous since 2002, when she participated in the Miss Venezuela contest representing the state of Amazonas. Although she was not the winner, she drew attention for her spectacular body, his measures (90-61-91) and height (1,76 cm), what positioned her among the favorites. Those who have been close to her, say that she is one of the most beautiful women in the world.

Mesut Özil's Girlfriend: Aida Yespica

In 2003 she moved to Milan, in Italy, to work as model. She acquired a growing reputation in the Italian entertainment world, going out in the covers of GQ, Maxim and Max. She was the star of the 2004 calendar of the Italian magazine Fox Uomo and slso starred in the 2005 calendar for the Italian version of GQ magazine. Aida Yespica also appeared in gossip programs and in the Italian television network RAI, doing photoshoots, advertisements or as presenter.

Continuing her growing popularity, she participated in the second edition of the Italian reality show "L'Isola dei Famosi" in 2004. She then participated in the Spanish version of this contest, called "Survivors" where captured the attention of the Spanish people. Once she was recognized in Spain, Aida was the cover of several magazines for men, and released the calendar for the year 2007 with the Interviu magazine, where she retained the evocative and sensual style.

Mesut Özil, the Real Madrid player, and the model seems to have become very good friends lately, so much that the rumors have already jumped: they are starting a romance. The local press in Milan has suggested that both went to dinner at a restaurant where they were photographed in a very loving attitude. Apparently, the couple met through a mutual friend.

Özil is shy, spoke little Spanish and has a very quiet life in Madrid and away from the media. People said that Mesut Özil, the German who plays for Real Madrid, could not adapt to Spanish culture and said, moreover, that the break with his former girlfriend was going to turn him into a complicated man. But now, they think otherwise.

Mesut Özil and Aida Yespica

Spanish Cup Final: Özil will play in the starting lineup

The letters were on the table with a view to the Copa del Rey Final. Mourinho will insist on his idea of three defensive players in the midfiled with Pepe, but will make a small change: Özil will start instead of Benzema, but the design is the same that contained Barcelona at the Bernabeu : the 4-3-3.

Mesut Özil against Barcelona

On Saturday, Xavi, Messi and Iniesta, with Pepe in the middle of the field, combined with more passes than in the first Classic of the season (5-0) or above the average they have in the League. But most of the combinations were unsuccessful, harassed by several white players without the possibility of creating danger. They made 109 passes, for 73 of the Camp Nou match, where Casillas made ​​two stops and conceded five goals. At the Bernabeu Stadium, Iker made ​​five stops and conceded just one goal from the penalty spot.

The presence of Pepe (paired with Messi, as Khedira with Iniesta) prevented what happened in the 5-0; Messi (without player assigned, free to play between the Real Madrid lines) gave four deadly passes to the back of white defense (two goals -both of Villa- and two almost -Xavi and Bojan-). That Barcelona's poor verticality on Saturday, was motivated by another difference; the Madrid defensive line was in a backward position (with the team together) at the Bernabeu than in the Camp Nou.

But Mourinho is a specialist in moving the tab during the game. His idea is to reach the last minutes of the Cup final with the possibility of winning. But if the team does not score a goal on the counter-attack and the script is twisted by a Barcelona goal, the Portuguese coach could place his team on the usual 4-2-3-1 with just one change; one of the central defenders (Ramos or Carvalho) would be replaced by Higuain or Benzema. Pepe would move back to his normal defense position and Özil would leave the right side to lead the team supported by Xabi and Khedira, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Di Maria in the wings.

Özil returns magic to Real Madrid

"He is wonderful. Özil has a tremendous quality and all the Real Madrid enjoys his football". Who said this expression was Raúl in an interview published yesterday by Kicker magazine, where he surrenders to the talent of Germany midfielder and joins the legion of Real Madrid fans who begins to see Mesut Özil as the man who can revive the magic that was smothered in the absence of Zidane.

Özil finally crowned in "El Sardinero" Stadium continues inserting pearls in the necklace of genius: the electric movement to assist Adebayor in the 0-1, the unpredictable pass with the outside of the foot in the 0-2 and the anthological play without goal, with a double dribble in a meter, that Toño (Racing goalkeeper) saved with a leg.

Özil in Santander

A catalog of dribbles and passes, full of Zidane's aroma, that Beckenbauer had already announced in the summer: "He throws killers passes which are suits for his fellows". and according to Özil himself, are products of his Turks genes. Added to this, he begins to play strong all the moments of a match, a lack that was felt but never worried him: "I am not a robot ...".

An integration process that is taking English as tool, but soon will be the Spansih. Özil is receiving intensive instruction (five hours a day, three days per week) that complemented in the first days with a curious method. He papered the walls of his house in "La Finca" with post-it filled with Spanish words, among which there was the fetish phrase in the locker room at the Bernabeu: "Unity is strength".

Since then, apart from his fellow Khedira, has made friends with Marcelo, Pepe, Higuain, Di Maria and Cristiano. With the first, he usually tends to go out to dinner (the food is one of his passions, but has hired a cook) and with the Portuguese star shares hobbies: playing Texas Hold'em poker and ping-pong.

His adaptation to Spanish culture is such that in his house (a villa of 650 sqm with swimming pool and football minicamp) there is a classic in Spanish folklore: a table football with the players painted with the colors of Real Madrid and Barcelona. He also has a room to accommodate shoes and sneakers, the only one of his confessed vices.

A house where he has hosted friends and family, including his brother Mutlu and his father, Mustafa, the first telephone conversation with Mesut after his performance in Santander. Özil always listens to him carefully: "He is my biggest critic and I value his opinions".

Where he will not find negative reviews is in Jorge Valdano's words: "Özil will shine the next decade in Real Madrid. He enjoys even the adversaries" As it was Zidane ...

Interview: Mesut Özil

Mesut Ozil has done nothing short of dazzle Madridistas since joining the club over the summer. The German international has kept his eyes on the prize all season and wants nothing to come between him and success at Real Madrid. In order for that to happen, he takes each match as it comes, the next being against Espanyol on Sunday.

Mesut Özil

Real Madrid face Espanyol this weekend in Barcelona. What do you expect from the game?
It's definitely going to be very difficult. Every team that plays Real Madrid tries their very hardest to beat us. They put in an extra effort but we need to just stick to our game and try to score goals. I'm certain that if we do that we can win the game.

Espanyol are difficult to play at their home ground.They're sitting sixth in the table and obviously not having problems scoring goals. How are you going to approach the game?
Our main goal is to pick up three points despite the fact that they're a tough side. We have plenty of great players in the squad so if we stick to what we know best then we can win the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo is top scorer and you appear to have a great relationship with him on and off the pitch. Can you explain that understanding that you have? Is it instinct?
It's very clear to everybody that we have a great relationship. He has been very good to me and has helped me a lot since I arrived in Madrid - he's a fantastic person! Cristiano Ronaldo is a very important member of the team, he has scored plenty of goals and puts all his energy into the team winning games. I'm absolutely delighted that I play alongside him.

You and Sami Khedira also have a great friendship. You're obviously both German. Has he helped you settle in quicker in Madrid?
It definitely made the transition a lot easier because he was already here when I arrived in Madrid. We already knew each other from our time on the Germany national team and he's been a great support. We spend a lot of time together and I feel very lucky to have him here.

You've made 12 assists and scored nine goals this season. You appear to enjoy being an assists man. Is that something you agree with?
I would say I really enjoy scoring goals and also making assists. They're both equally satisfying for me and I'm always over the moon when I can help a teammate find the back of the net.

We saw you kiss the club crest several weeks ago. What does Real Madrid mean for you? That was a very important moment for Madridistas.
I play for Real Madrid and I feel very connected to this club. I am a part of this team and I wanted to express my happiness at being here. I didn't plan it, it just happened.

Link