Mesut Ozil names his 'Dream team' - features just one ex-Arsenal star

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil celebrates after scoring a goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Stoke City at the Emirates stadium in London, Saturday Dec. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

Arsenal star Mesut Özil has named his dream team - with just one former Gunners team-mate making the cut.

The German playmaker has enjoyed a glittering career, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and achieving LaLiga glory with Real Madrid in 2011/12.

He has also helped Arsenal win four FA Cups in his seven years at the club - but Santi Cazorla is the only former team-mate from that stint who makes his dream XI.

In a Q&A on his Twitter page, Ozil was asked to name his best line-up and his side was dominated by former Real Madrid team-mates.

He declined to select himself, naming Karim Benzema up front with Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Angel Di Maria in behind.

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen first leg football match Real Madrid CF against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on February 14, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS]

Ex-Arsenal man Cazorla was placed in midfield alongside Xabi Alonso.

Defensively, Germany team-mates Philip Lahm and Jerome Boateng were named alongside Marcelo and Sergio Ramos with Iker Casillas in goal.

Ozil branded Ramos: “One of the best defenders ever. And a great character and friend as well,” in response to a separate question.

He was also asked about Arsenal’s opening game of the Premier League season against Fulham and said: "I’m fit & ready and doing my best. Unfortunately it’s not in my hands to decide about the squad on the weekend. We will see!”

Ozil has been out of favour under Mikel Arteta since the Premier League restarted after the coronavirus pandemic.

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos eyes the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Mallorca at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, June 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Asked about his future by The Athletic last month, Ozil said: “I’ll decide when I go, not other people. I didn’t sign for two or three years, I signed for four and that should be respected by everyone.

“Things have obviously been difficult but I love Arsenal, I love to work there, I love the people in the club — the real people, those I’ve been with for a long time — and I love London, it’s my home.

“Whatever happened in the last two seasons, I’m happy and very strong mentally. I never give up on anything. I want to help my team and I’ll fight for it. If I’m fit, I know what I can do on the pitch.”

Mesut Ozil’s Dream XI : Casillas, Lahm, Ramos, Boateng, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Cazorla, Kaka, Di Maria, Ronaldo, Benzema.