Ozil: I am not at Zidane's level yet

Posted Wednesday, June 06, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Mesut Ozil has played down comparisons between former Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane and himself.

The Germany international, who signed for Los Blancos in 2010, has established himself as one of the hottest properties in Europe at the age of 23.

His playing style has earned comparisons with Zidane, who featured at the club between 2001 and 2006, but Ozil reckons he still has a long way to go to reach the same level as the France legend.

"I never compare myself with him," Ozil told AS. "I am proud to be at such a big club like Madrid, but Zidane is at another level. He was a player with worldwide success. I am still missing that. I still have to prove myself.

"He was a complete player. He played with both feet, he had good technique, good heading and finishing. Zidane was an incredible player because he had amazing tricks. As a professional, I recognize that he did not only do things which were beautiful to watch, he was also very effective, a true hard working player."

Ozil, who is currently away on international duty for Euro 2012, then admitted that he plays the same way for Madrid as he does with the national team.

"Before I have the ball, I think about where my teammates will be, where I can cross the ball," he added. "When you are playing at Madrid or with Germany, it gets easy, because everyone is thinking with you.

"The positive thing for me is that Madrid and Germany play with the exact same system. I do not have to adapt. It is great."