Mesut Ozil reveals his dream XI including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka but snubs ENTIRE Arsenal team

MESUT OZIL has revealed his dream XI on social media – without including any current Arsenal team-mates.

The out-of-favour German invited his 24.9million Twitter followers to submit their questions this afternoon – taking time to answer as many as he could.

Mesut Ozil named a strong Dream XI

One fan wanted to know the 31-year-old’s “dream XI” – with Ozil swiftly obliging.

Although it wasn’t specified that he had to choose from players he’s played with, he did so anyway – although no current team-mates made the cut.

As expected, however, his team is star-studded throughout… and there was at least room for one former Gunner.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at who Ozil selected.

IKER CASILLAS

Ozil played with the legendary Casillas for each of his three seasons at Real Madrid – winning a LaLiga title and Copa del Rey along the way.

Casillas then continued at Santiago Bernabeu for another two seasons following Ozil’s 2013 departure.

Now 39, Casillas last month hung up his gloves after suffering a heart attack last year while with Porto.

Legendary Casillas makes Ozil’s cutCredit: Reuters

PHILIPP LAHM

International team-mates with Germany for five years, Lahm and Ozil embarked on a journey together that culminated in lifting the World Cup in 2014.

The impressive right-back then retired from Die Mannschaft duty following the victory in Brazil after 113 caps.

Lahm, now 36, then played another three seasons with Bayern Munich before retiring having amassed 22 trophies as a professional.

Lahm lifted the World Cup with Ozil by his sideCredit: AP:Associated Press

SERGIO RAMOS

Another that Ozil starred alongside at Real Madrid.

Ramos, 34, was a pillar at the back – particularly as Los Blancos managed to overcome Barcelona in the relentless 2011-12 LaLiga title race.

Despite having been linked with moves away, including to China this summer, Ramos remains a key figure in Madrid 15 years after arriving from Seville.

Ramos and Ozil played together between 2010 and 2013Credit: Reuters

JEROME BOATENG

Boateng was a big part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup success – but also played in another four major tournaments with Ozil.

His ability has subsequently been questioned, and he was even linked with a move to join Ozil at Arsenal during last season.

But the 32-year-old proved he still has what it takes at the top level as he helped Bayern to Champions League glory in Lisbon.

Ozil featured in five major tournaments alongside BoatengCredit: Reuters

MARCELO

Another still going strong in his thirties, Marcelo had been at Real Madrid for three years already when Ozil rocked up in 2010.

In 2018, five years following Ozil’s Madrid exit, Marcelo named him in his dream XI – making it only right that the attacking midfielder returned the favour.

Now 32, the Brazilian is still a major cog in the Real Madrid machine – having just won his fifth LaLiga title.

Marclo continues to go strong at Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated Press

XABI ALONSO

Xabi Alonso enjoyed a good relationship with Mesut Ozil while the latter was at Madrid.

So much so, that the classy midfielder labelled him the “perfect player”.

The 38-year-old, now managing Real Sociedad’s B Team, told The Coaches’ Voice: “Mesut between the lines, he was the perfect player because he wanted to be in the hole and that’s the toughest position to play.”

Alonson described Ozil as the ‘perfect player’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

SANTI CAZORLA

At last, an Arsenal player features.

The Spanish magician was an incredibly popular figure at the Emirates, thriving for two seasons following Ozil’s 2013 arrival.

But injuries limited him to just 32 appearances in his last three years in North London – before he was able to revive his career at Villarreal. The 35-year-old recently joined Qatari side Al-Sadd – scoring a screamer on his debut.

Ozil thrived alongside Cazorla at ArsenalCredit: Getty – Contributor

ANGEL DI MARIA

The Argentine attacker joined Real Madrid in the same summer as Ozil, with both key cogs in Los Blancos’ pacy counter-attacking system.

And Ozil clearly left an impression on his former team-mate too, with Di Maria, 32, having complimented him long after both left the Bernabeu.

Prior to a 2016 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and the Gunners, he said: “Ozil is a world class player, his passing is excellent and he is surrounded by some very fast players.”

Ozil and Di Maria were part of Real Madrid’s stunning counter-attackCredit: Reuters

KAKA

Former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka clearly left a positive impression on Ozil, despite the pair having often competed for the same position in the team.

In fact following his 2013 departure, the Brazilian admitted: “I have always had good relations with [Jose] Mourinho. I would have played a lot more, but he preferred to put Ozil in.

“[I said] it’s good, boss, that’s fine, but I think I can play and contribute in an important way. Ozil is a great player, but I’m available here.”

Ozil was often preferred to Kaka at Real MadridCredit: AFP

CRISTIANO RONALDO

And from a one-time Ballon d’Or winner to a five-time champ – Ozil just couldn’t leave out CR7.

And the positive feelings were mutual, with Ronaldo reportedly huffing following his team-mate’s 2013 departure: “He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal… I’m angry about Ozil leaving.”

It hasn’t worked out so badly for him since, however, having last night notched his 100th goal for Portugal.

Ronaldo thrived with Ozil playing behind himCredit: Reuters

KARIM BENZEMA

There’s no place for goal-machine Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as the wily Karim Benzema makes the cut.

The Frenchman scored 47 goals LaLiga goals during Ozil’s three years in Madrid, and knew perfectly how to make those around him tick.

He could be on the move this summer, however, with Lyon “desperate” to re-sign their academy product.

Benzema is still Real Madrid’s No9Credit: AFP

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk