Just days before helping Germany capture the 2009 U17 European Championship, German defender Shkodran Mustafi decided to leave Bundesliga club Hamburg's youth system to fulfill a dream and play in England for Everton.
Albanian Roots For Early Striker
Shkodran Mustafi was born on April 17, 1992 in Bad Hersfeld to parents of Albanian descent. He grew up in nearby Bebra and played for FV Bebra and SV Rotenburg - albeit as a striker.
Move To Hamburg, Into Defense
In 2006, Mustafi passed up offers by Bayern Munich, Werder Bermen and Eintracht Frankfurt to move to northern German club Hamburg, also because of the side's excellent boarding home. The switch to Hamburg also saw Mustafi move further back in the line-up, eventually landing in the interior defense.
Heading Through Hamburg, German Youth Systems
Mustafi was added to the German U15 national team in April 2007 and became a U16 German international in late February 2008, shortly before he joined the Hamburg's U17 squad.
U17 German Squad
Mustafi, a devout Muslim who prays before every game, saw a dramatic rise during the 2008-09 season. First he went from Hamburg's B-Youth team to A-Juniors side and even practiced with Hamburg's senior side. And in September 2008 he was named to Germany's U17 national team with sights set on the 2009 U17 European Championship in Germany.
U17 European Crown In Germany
Mustafi's excellence in the backline was a key to Marco Pezzaiuoli's German U17 team's hopes at the U17 European Championship in Germany. And Mustafi and the Germans did not disappoint. Pezzaiuoli's men allowed just two goals in five matches on their way to winning the 2009 U17 European Championship. Mustafi played all five games, including the 2-1 final victory over the Netherlands in extra time on May 18, 2009. In 14 appearances with the German U17 team, Mustafi scored three goals.
Three-Year Deal With Everton
Just before the U17 European Championship kicked off, Mustafi decided to leave Hamburg in favor of English club Everton, signing on a three-year contract until June 30, 2012. Mustafi chose Everton over other big clubs such as Newcastle United, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.
Pushing Youth Big Reason For Choice
Mustafi said Everton's past of pushing their young players and giving them a chance to play for the senior side was a big reason for his decision. He told uefa.com: "They give young players the chance to play in the first team and get experience, like Wayne Rooney, and that is the reason I went there."
Dream Come True
The move to England also is a dream come true for Mustafi. "With the transfer to Everton, a dream is coming true for me," he told spox.com on May 16, 2009. He also said he thinks he will have success in England, adding: "I think I'm an enormously strong-willed guy who never gives up. Therefore I think I was made for the English league. I will fight as long as I have to and give everything I have until I eventually play in the top flight."
