Messi Snubbed As Ronaldo and Benzema Make Mesut Ozil’s Star studded Dream Team

• Lionel Messi has been conspicuously omitted from Mesut Ozil's Dream Team
• The former 2014 World Cup winner selected players he had played alongside throughout his modestly successful playing career
• He announced his retirement at the age of 34 following a brief spell with Istanbul Basaksehir 

Former Arsenal and Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil has named his Dream Team, surprisingly excluding Lionel Messi.

In a career which began with his home town club Schalke, the 2014 World Cup-winning midfielder featured for Werder Bremen, Spanish giants Real Madrid, and Arsenal before heading to Turkey to play for Fenerbahce and Istanbul Basaksehir.

Following his decision to call time on his playing career, the 34-year-old came out with his Best XI on social media, which comprised some of the sport's crème de la crème players.

Despite the star factor in his lineup, the ex-Germany international dropped seven-time Ballon d'Or winner -Lionel Messi - from his Dream Team, per CR7Tabs.

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Mesut Ozil's Dream Team

In a 4-3-3 formation, Ozil preferred Manuel Neuer in the post ahead of top-notch goalkeepers such as iconic Real Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas and Petr Cech, who he played with during his stint with Arsenal.

He picked a centre-back partnership of Jerome Boateng and Sergio Ramos, with Marcelo Vieira and Philipp Lahm flanking the central defensive pair on the left and right spots, respectively.

In midfield, he opted for a double pivot of Santi Carzola and Xabi Alonso, preferring himself at the apex of the three-man midfield, playing in his favourite No. 10 position at the apex of the midfield three.

The 34-year-old stationed five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo on the left flank of his attack while opting for Alexis Sanchez, a man he formed a lethal partnership with during their time at Arsenal, to operate on the right while sticking Karim Benzema as his No. 9.

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Ozil hailed as 'the best'

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Arsenal attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil has been hailed by Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha who claimed that the German had an incredible football career during his active playing days.

There is no doubt about the fact that Ozil was one of the finest midfielders when he was active, considering his performances while playing in the Spanish La Liga and also in the Premier League.

Okocha explained that Ozil was the best of his generation and someone the younger players should emulate.