In a team where there is such a wealth of talent, it says something when an individual player makes the headlines – especially when that player is not Cristiano Ronaldo – yet that is what a resurgent Kaka has experienced recently at Real Madrid. For a player who not long ago was written off and heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeau, the Brazilian has managed to overcome a string of injuries and regain some of the form he once had, working his way back into the starting eleven.
At the same time Kaka rediscovered his God-given talent, fellow midfield maestro Mesut Ozil has been struggling of late, looking slightly off the boil, either starting the game on the bench or failing to make the full 90 minutes. Despite a brilliant first season at Real, Ozil’s recent poor form has raised questions over his ability to cut it at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and with such a pool of talent for Jose Mourinho to select from, performances that are not at the very highest level will not be tolerated, and will see said player warming the bench whilst another takes his place.
For a player who last season finished with the highest number of assists out of any player in the European leagues – 25 – and is a firm favourite amongst supporters and indeed Mourinho, it is strange to suggest that Ozil has not managed to make an impact at Los Blancos, yet in the modern game, after a poor run of form, players are written off and collecting their free bus pass before the age of 30.
The same people who called Kaka the best player in the world then proclaimed his career over, now resurrected. Past displays seem to count for little these days, yet people would be foolish to forget the ability displayed by either player.
At 23, Ozil is much younger and more inexperienced than Kaka, and naturally has not reached the heights hit by the Brazilian during his career, yet it is not impossible to see him do so. Whilst Ozil has not been putting in world beating displays recently, he is still a quality player, and seems to be forming a great understanding with Kaka when they play together in the midfield.
Despite this, many have wondered if the reason behind Ozil’s performances taking a dip was the resurgence of Kaka, yet it is more than feasible for both players to start, with Xabi Alonso and Khedira behind them. When this has been the case, Real have performed well, with a fluidity and creativeness in midfield they were lacking last season.