Top 10 Footballers of 2014 #8: Thomas Muller

Thomas Muller

“Raumdeuter” which translates to “ interpreter of space” is undoubtedly one of the most versatile players in the World Class category.  Whether playing as a lone striker, on the right wing or behind the striker, his MO is clear: finding space and punishing.

At the World Cup a lot of fuss was made over Muller’s unorthodox image. His baggy shirt, his socks at ankle level (some even wondered if he was wearing shin guards)  belied the manner in which he affected the competition: 5 goals in the competiiton. Muller had a good club season scoring a career high 26 goals in all competitions. He helped Bayern win the Bundesliga in record time and also scored an all-important second goal to help clinch the DFB-Pokal over rival arch rivals Borussia Dortmund.

He started his World Cup campaign in the best way possible with a hat trick in the 4-0 thrashing of Portugal and scored the winning goal in the final group game vs. the U.S.A. He continued his form by assisting Andre Schurrle in the quarterfinal for the opening goal against Algeria and opened the scoring in the 7-1 humiliation of Brazil in their own country. He would end the tournament as the Silver Ball and Boot winner (for the second best player at the tournament and second highest goal scorer). Muller’s success is a testimony for hard work and application. Whilst he’s not the most technically proficient, he cannot be criticized for not exerting the maximum of his ability. Through sheer graft, he has made his mark on the game and is strongly tipped to eventually crack Miroslav Klose’s record of World Cup goals. Not bad for the kid they doubted.