Mesut Özil names his Champions League dream team, with ex-Arsenal star opting for a 37-year-old centre-back, one Englishman and a surprise Sevilla selection in midfield

Mesut Özil has named his dream team for the new Champions League season and there are a few surprises.

Europe’s most important competition starts again on Tuesday evening with the first round of the group matches.

And former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Ozil has named what he describes as his ‘best XI’ on Twitter.

Unsurprisingly, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are leading the pack, with Manchester City’s Rodri at the bottom of midfield.

Ozil opts for an Arsenal man in the form of Bukayo Saka on the right wing and a German on the left in Leroy Sane.

35-year-old Sevilla veteran Ivan Rakitic is an unexpected addition alongside Rodri, while Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga completes the midfield.

The backline consists of former Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos and current Los Blancos defenders Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Dias.

Manuel Neuer, who won the World Cup with Ozil, is between the sticks.

It’s no surprise that reigning champions Man City have the most players in the XI (3).

Ozil retired from football earlier this year at the age of 34, with back problems playing a role in his decision.

Ozil retired from professional football earlier this year after suffering from injuries

Announcing the decision, he wrote: ‘Hello everyone, After careful consideration, I am announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.

‘I have had the privilege of being a professional footballer for almost seventeen years now and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.

‘But in recent weeks and months, after I also suffered some injuries, it became increasingly clear that it is time to leave the big football stage.’

Ozil had little success as a player in the Champions League and did not reach a final.

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