Shkodran Mustafi called up to Germany World Cup squad... two years after being released by David Moyes at Everton

  • Mustafi named in provisional Germany World Cup squad
  • The 22-year-old impressed at heart of defence for Sampdoria this season
  • Was released by David Moyes from Everton in 2012

By Charlie Skillen for MailOnline and Adam Shergold for MailOnline

Published: | Updated:


A defender released by David Moyes while at Everton has been called up to Germany's provisional World Cup squad.

Shkodran Mustafi has impressed for Sampdoria this season after joining the club in 2012 when he left Goodison Park.

Mustafi, now 22, was let go on a free transfer by then-Everton manager Moyes after making just one substitute appearance.

In action: Skhordan Mustafi (left), challenging Inter's Matteo Kovacic, is in Germany's World Cup squad

In action: Skhordan Mustafi (left), challenging Inter's Matteo Kovacic, is in Germany's World Cup squad

Rock-solid: Mustafi (left), stopping Catania's Gonzalo Bergassio, has impressed for Sampdoria

Rock-solid: Mustafi (left), stopping Catania's Gonzalo Bergassio, has impressed for Sampdoria

Released: Mustafi in an Everton shirt before being released by then-boss David Moyes

Released: Mustafi in an Everton shirt before being released by then-boss David Moyes

Surplus: Moyes - axed as Man United boss last month - deemed Mustafi not good enough for Everton

Surplus: Moyes - axed as Man United boss last month - deemed Mustafi not good enough for Everton

MUSTAFI FACTFILE

Name: Shkodran Mustafi
Date of birth: April 17, 1992
Place of birth: Bad Hersfeld, Germany
Club: Sampdoria (2012- )
Previous clubs: Hamburg (2006-09), Everton (2009-12)

After joining Everton from Hamburg in 2009, Centre back Mustafi was a German youth international right through his time at Goodison but made his only appearance as a substitute for Tony Hibbert in a Europa League tie with BATE Borisov.

Moyes was axed by Manchester United last month after a dismal season at Old Trafford.

Mustafi, who is of Albanian heritage, was part of the side that won the Under 17 World Cup in 2009.

He has been a vital part of the Sampdoria defence this season, making 31 appearances in Serie A, netting one goal.

He will have to impress alongside the likes of Arsenal's Per Mertesacker and Bayern's Jerome Boateng to make it to the final squad in Brazil.

Making his mark: Since leaving Everton, Mustafi as played regularly for Sampdoria in Serie A

Making his mark: Since leaving Everton, Mustafi as played regularly for Sampdoria in Serie A

Through the ranks: Mustafi has been a regular for Germany's youth teams

Through the ranks: Mustafi has been a regular for Germany's youth teams

Heritage: Mustafi is also eligible to play for Albania through his family but looks set to choose Germany

Heritage: Mustafi is also eligible to play for Albania through his family but looks set to choose Germany

Applause: Mustafi will be up against the likes of Per Mertesacker in a bid to make the final squad

Applause: Mustafi will be up against the likes of Per Mertesacker in a bid to make the final squad

GERMANY SQUAD IN FULL

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund) and Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover)

Defenders: Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Shkodran Mustafi (Sampdoria), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund).

Midfielders: Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Schalke), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Andre Hahn (Augsburg), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Max Meyer (Schalke), Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Kevin Volland (Hoffenheim).



Germany

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