Die Mannschaft's attacking revolution - Young German talents who've mesmerized the world

Every student of world or German history would be familiar with the term Blitzkrieg. Those of you who never paid much attention in history classes, please allow me to explain this term. Blitzkrieg translates as “Lightning War”. It is a method of warfare whereby an attacking force in a dense formation forces a breakthrough into the enemy’s rear through a series of deep thrusts, and once in the enemy’s rear, proceeds to dislocate them by speed and surprise, and then encircle them.

This is what Hitler’s Germany did to Poland, France and basically any resistance in their path. And this is what Klinsmann & Joachim Loew’s Mannschaft have been doing to their opposition. But as you may very well remember, Germany are famous for winning the battles in style but losing the war. And this has continued in the past decade right from the 2002 World Cup to the recent Euro 2012. But since 2010, Germany have been blessed and have been producing top attacking midfielders to leave any opposition reeling. Throughout the 2010 World Cup, Germany impressed one and all with its attractive, attacking football. The team had scored most goals in the tournament, 16, in comparison to title winners Spain, who had 8. The German team became the first team since Brazil in 1982 to have the highest goal difference in a World Cup and not win it.

Germany is a team in transition in its structure, but in terms of its style, it maintains the same form. Though the players have different origins, they play like a unit; the passes are magnificent and they attack like a dream. This seamless game is the main reason why fans love watching Germany play. This article is about those attacking midfielders/wingers who have made the German national football team a menacing attacking force to reckon with. The best news for any German football fan is that these lads are all below 25 years of age and have already mesmerized the world with their talent.

Mesut Özil

Personally for me, he is the best attacking midfielder of the lot. He made his mark internationally in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He was part of the team that demolished England and Argentina with their devastating counter attacks and swift passing. Last season Özil put in more assists than Xavi and Iniesta combined in the La Liga. Donning the legendary no. 10 for the Los Blancos, Özil has already been likened to the legendary Zinadine Zidane. Possessing superb ball control and an uncanny awareness of what’s happening around the pitch, Özil makes precise assists and also boasts a powerful shot from distance.

His attacking midfield partnership with his fellow German team mate Mario Götze has earned the magical duo a nickname, ‘Gotzil’ thanks to their similarities in technique , position and style of play. Germany Under-21 manager Horst Hrubesch once said, “We in Germany are prone to rave about foreign players. We praise Wayne Rooney to the heavens, likewise Ronaldo or Messi. But we have our own Messi. Our Messi is Özil.” There is a bit of Luis Figo and Zinadine Zidane in him. Like all great players, this young German of Turkish descent is set to take the world by storm in the future.

Mario Götze

An amazing talent of the German CAM revolution of late, product of the Borussia Dortmund youth system, Götze’s technique has attracted praise from the great Beckenbauer as well. Franz Beckenbauer spoke about Götze, along with Marco Reus, saying, “…as a classic duo there is nobody better than the prolific Reus and Götze.” His deadly combinations with both Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski have left opposition defences reeling.

He is primarily an attacking midfielder but can play on either wing. He possesses an ominous counter attacking threat. Mario loves to short pass and dribble, leading to numerous goal scoring chances for Dortmund. Bayern Munich triggered his 37 million Euros release clause and Mario is set to play for Munich’s finest next season onwards. One can only imagine what havoc Bayern will wreck on its opponents in Europe with their army of ‘Marios’.

André Schürrle

Andre is one of those special player who can play as a false no. 9 and a winger. His immense work rate, long distance sprinting and fitness levels give him an advantage over the others on this list. His pace is incredible on counter attacks and he is also a decent finisher.

However, he has been termed ‘selfish’ thanks to his eagerness in taking a chance at goal when a team mate is open. The term is understandable since he has wasted many shots on goal. Being the youngest of the lot, Andre still has a long way to go. But his performances with Leverkusen have excited everyone and he is heavily linked with a move to West London giants Chelsea FC this summer.