Real Madrid president hails Mesut Oezil and Sami Khedira
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hailed Mesut Oezil, describing the 2010 FIFA World Cup star as the best player in the world.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder came to prominence in South Africa, where he excelled in helping unfancied Germany to a third-place finish through his range of passing, unpredictable movement and keen eye for goal.
Oezil’s displays at the World Cup led to him being sought-after by several of Europe’s top clubs, but Madrid won the race for his signature and the player moved to the Spanish capital from Werder Bremen.
As a result of his impressive performances so far for Madrid, Perez told German publication Welt am Sonntag that: "In my view, Oezil is the best footballer in the world."
However, Perez’ praise may be seen by some as a snub to Cristiano Ronaldo, a former FIFA World Player of the Year and star winger at Madrid.
Perez also had high praise for Oezil’s international team-mate Sami Khedira, who also moved to the La Liga giants over the summer.
'Khedira was best player in win over Hercules'
The defensive midfielder was another important player for Germany at the World Cup, and shone in the 3-1 victory over Hercules on 30 October. His performance was of such a high standard that Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho said that he was the best player in
the game.
The manager added that: "He was outstanding everywhere; in midfield, in central defence after Pepe's replacement, he was top."
The Madrid president also believes that the 23-year-old will eventually become one of the best players on the planet. He said that Khedira would "one day be among the very best footballers".
After both players initially struggled to settle in to life in Spain, they have now established themselves as key members of Mourinho’s side.
Tags: