Ozil promotes Premier League: which other German talents could thrive?

Arsenal and Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil certainly seems to have settled into Premier League life seamlessly since his £42.4m switch from Real Madrid in 2013, so much so that he has decided to promote England’s top tier to his Die Mannschaft teamates!

Weighing in on speculation over the future of Germany defenders Mats Hummels and Benedikt Howedes, Ozil told press: “I would recommend any player coming to the Premier League. It is the best league in the world and here there are not only two teams fighting for the title.

“Hummels and Howedes could succeed at really big clubs over here. I’m sure, if they want to change. However, it is up to each player to decide this,” added the pass master.

This got Coral writers thinking about which other realistic German stars could step up from smaller clubs and swap the Bundesliga for a stint in the Land of Hope and Glory. Here are six we think could thrive…

Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen)
Wily wingman Bellarabi shot to prominence this season, with skillful and spirited performances down the flanks for Leverkusen seeing him rack up 12 league strikes plus nine assists, grabbing Die Mannschaft manager Joachim Low’s attention.

Now a regular in Germany’s squad with seven caps since their 2014 World Cup win, Bellarabi can be an integral part of the new generation. Able to beat a man with ease, the 25-year-old has this term added end product to his box of tricks. Furthermore, Bellarabi’s work ethic would suit England to a tee and, should space open up for an adaptable attacker at Liverpool, this midfielder of Moroccan descent could prove a mature and cultured replacement for Raheem Sterling.

View the best of Bellarabi this season:

Leon Goretzka (Schalke)
Since Schalke missed out on a Champions League place, now could be the ideal time for guileful deep-lying playmaker Goretzka to test his talents at the next level.

An excellent all-rounder, the Bochum-born prodigy could add vision and exuberance to many a Premier League side, but it is big-guns such as Chelsea and Manchester United who should look to poach the 20-year-old now before his pricetag rockets. The Red Devils (20/1 with Coral to win the 2015/16 CL) certainly have a midfield spot up for grabs and should see the long-term in Goretzka rather than a quick fix in Bastian Schweinsteiger or even Ilkay Gundogan.

Take a peek at Goretzka’s skills here:

Patrick Herrmann (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Adaptable Hermann is another who can be deployed almost anywhere in attack and, at 24, he finally seems to be coming into his own. Usually stationed on the right wing, Herrmann hit 16 across all competitions for his club, and was a recent debutante under Low, impressing with his passing range and runs on the big stage.

Previously linked to Man Utd before penning a new deal, Hermann would perhaps be a better fit for Tottenham, who could use added impetus out wide.

Herrmann’s highlights:

Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Hermann’s clubmate Kramer has lost some of his limelight to central midfield partner Granit Xhaka this campaign, but continues to be consistently excellent at shielding the defence.

Already established in the Germany ranks, Kramer is just waiting for his chance to cement a regular spot, and would be a perfect fit for the physical nature of the Premier League. Adept at breaking up play with a tenacious tackle but also a great reader of the game, the 24-year-old could add grit to Arsenal, who appear to be on the hunt for an enforcer.

Does Kramer have what it takes?

Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen)
All the German goalkeeping hype regarding who could one day step in to sweeper keeper Manuel Neuer’s boots has rightly revolved around Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona lately and rightly so, while Premier League clubs are said to be circling for young Cologne custodian Timo Horn.

However, another future Die Mannschaft stopper who could prove to be a challenger to the throne is lithe Leno, and should Man Utd need to recruit a new post protector in summer, the 22-year-old would be a canny capture.

Leno’s top stops:

Max Meyer (Schalke)
Another Schalke starlet, but this time reared in their own academy, Meyer gave the world a glimpse of the magic in his feet with a superb Champions League performance against Real Madrid, and boasts composure way beyond his 19 years.

Should this top talent become available, expect Man City (14/1 to lift the 2015/16 Champions League) to be sniffing around as they seek to rejuvenate an ageing squad.

View Meyer’s top tricks and flicks here: