The 23 year old has been something of an unpublicised prodigy since breaking into the Borussia Monchengladbach side aged 18.
The attacking midfielder/winger has never been a true goalscorer, scoring no more than 4 goals in a Bundesliga season since his arrival on the scene, but what he lacks in goals, he provides in assists, as he has notched up over 10 in each of his three seasons at the top tier, including 18 in the 09/10 season.
Like many young starlets, he was dubbed the ‘German Messi’ at an early age, though many would argue he is exclusively a better winger than attacking midfielder. Like Messi, he loves to take on players, and is an expert dribbler, though doesn’t possess the goal threat of the Argentinean wizard.
He moved to Werder Bremen in 2009 for around £6.5m and enjoyed a great first season there, linking up with Mesut Ozil, who also put himself in the shop window during that season.
Once Ozil had left, Marin found it difficult, after being transferred to a more central role, where he still managed 10 assists for the season.
The 10/11 season was more frustrating, starting late after suffering injury, hampering his progress as he had started to improve and take himself to the next level.
He has played 16 times for Germany, impressing well in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, leading him to be selected for the final squad. He only played twice in the tournament, both uninspiring performances, leaving him with little chance on the international scene since, but at only 23, chances will undoubtedly present themselves to him, should be impress at Chelsea.
Many in Germany scoffed at the signing of Marin, suggesting that he has not lived up to the hype he was given, and is little more than an average player, but with a transfer fee of just £6m, in the climate of extortionate transfer fees, it may well be a fantastic gamble for the Stamford Bridge team.
He may not yet be at the stage some predicted, as being hailed the ‘German Messi’, is large boots to fill. Nonetheless, I believe he will have a lot of weight taken off his shoulders in the Premier League, as it is a much more open league than the Bundesliga, with less focus on a strict and strong defence.
His dribbling and agility could definitely flourish, and at just 23, he can be eased into a squad that is already flowing with attacking quality, and could be a great addition to Roman Abramovich’s new ‘young and hungry’ stars.
He will officially be a Chelsea player on July 1st, when the transfer window opens, and with Marin and Hazard already signed up, expect a busy, and expensive summer from the Londoners.
By Brad Smith
Follow @BrummieBrad
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