Mesut Ozil is currently in contention for his third straight Ballon d'Or nomination. The German midfielder has had a tremendous season, though one marred by mitigated success.
Ozil led Real Madrid to the Spanish League title for the first time in three years with his commanding presence in the midfield. He became Jose Mourinho's general on the pitch and orchestrated 17 different goals in the 2011-12 season, including 16 of Cristiano Ronaldo's. He added four goals for good measure and continued to showcase his world class passing abilities in 2012. He also had two goals and three assists over 10 UCL matches.
In the Euro 2012 Ozil carried Germany to the semi-finals with one goal and three assists, but the loss to Italy and Germany's inability to win a major tournament yet again works against the 24 year-old.
However, the Euro was far from the low point for the German midfielder. Ozil has gotten off to a disastrous start in the 2012-13 season with only one goal and two assists in 12 matches. He has often suffered inconsistent midfielding choices from Mourinho and has often seen himself replaced by the likes of Kaka. His own invisibility at times has not helped matter though and Ozil is off to his worst start in professional soccer. Many have even questioned if the Spanish League has been detrimental to his development.
Top Moment of the Year: Leading Madrid to the 2012 League Championship for the first time in three years.
Chances of Top Three Placement: It is highly unlikely. His Euro 2012 loss is one thing working against him, but his horrendous start to 2012-13 essentially nullifies any chances of being alongside what will likely be Ronaldo and Messi in the top three.
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