Mesut Özil was one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation, a number ten of exquisite vision whose passing seemed to bend the geometry of a match. Blessed with a feather-light touch and remarkable spatial awareness, he was among the most prolific creators of assists wherever he played.
He announced himself at Werder Bremen before starring for Real Madrid and then Arsenal, and he was central to the Germany side that won the 2014 World Cup. At his best he was the quiet architect of attacks, an unhurried artist whose creativity defined the teams around him.