Sami Khedira faces tough role at Real Madrid
Spanish giants Real Madrid have confirmed that they have agreed a deal with German Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart over the transfer of Sami Khedira. The defensive midfielder is set to sign a five-year contract with the La Liga club after undergoing a medical exam.
The announcement was revealed on both clubs’ official websites. Stuttgart director of sport Fredi Bobic said: "A true leader and a player who identifies with the club such as Sami Khedira is one that you naturally don't want to let go but, on the other hand, we can perfectly understand Sami's wish to further his career at Real. We wish him lots of success for his new challenge in Madrid."
Impressive tournament
The speedy 23-year old impressed with his performances as the FIFA 2010 World Cup. His strong defensive skills teamed with his surging runs forward saw him become a key part of the team which finished in third place at the tournament. In the third place play-off match, he scored the winning goal against Uruguay with a header, making the final score 3-2. In total, he has received 12 caps for his country since making his debut in September last year.
However, Khedira faces one of the toughest challenges any player can face as he looks set to make the Madrid holding midfield starting berth his own. The position is seen in some quarters as among the most difficult anywhere in football, and a look at recent inhabitants of the role shows as much.
Claude Makélelé Sinda played for Real Madrid from 2000 until 2003. He was a key part of Real’s success during those years as they picked up two league titles and the Spanish Super Cup as well as triumphs in the UEFA Champions League, European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. However, after the sacking of coach Vicente del Bosque, Makélelé asked for an improved contract after feeling his position at the club was at risk. He was refused and slapped in a transfer request, soon finding himself with English Premier Leagueclub Chelsea.
Though Thomas Gravesen performed well initially, he was in and out of the team during his single season at the club from 2005-06 and soon found himself shipped off to Scottish Premier League team Celtic.
Long balls
Of the more recent defensive midfield players at Madrid, 24-year-old Fernando Gago has perhaps performed best in his three-and-a-half seasons there, his exceptional vision meaning he can thread through long balls to the strikers. The Argentina international helped his club to two La Liga titles in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons and is the man most likely to provide the sternest competition for Khedira to nail down a starting place.
The other two current holding midfielders at Madrid have faced less success in the role. Mahamadou Diarra has suffered from several long-term injuries on his knee, while Lassana Diarra (no relation) had been dropped from the starting line up despite impressing. Indeed, Khedira’s arrival will pave the way for these two players to leave the club, with Lassana Diarra reportedly attracting the interest of EPL sides Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Italian Serie A club Juventus. Mahamadou Diarra, meanwhile, is said to be wanted by EPL team Newcastle United.
Though Khedira faces a multitude of challenges at his new club, including the infamously demanding fans, he can be in better place to become the best player he can as he will work with perhaps the best coach in the world in Jose Mourinho, as well as some of the planet’s top footballers such as Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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