Ozil names Ronaldo as his ever best team-mate and hails Guendouzi

Mesut Ozil has heralded the ability of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in a wide-ranging Twitter Q+A in which he also listed Matteo Guendouzi as the best youngster at Arsenal.

Responding to  questions from supporters on social media, the  midfielder also discussed his fractious relationship with the German national team, Arsene Wenger and a host of other subjects.

He named Juventus forward Ronaldo as his best team-mate after their time together at Real Madrid, while also reserving praise for the Portuguese's long-time rival Lionel Messi, who he claimed was the most talented opponent he has ever faced.

And asked who is the best young talent in the Arsenal squad, Ozil heaped plaudits on fellow midfielder Guendouzi, describing him as a 'brilliant player'.

A summer signing from Lorient, 19-year-old Guendouzi has made an instant impression at the Emirates, making seven starts in a strong opening to the campaign under Unai Emery.

Ozil also insisted he still supports the German national team despite retiring from international football after their disastrous World Cup defence in Russia.

The 30-year-old was criticised in Germany prior to the World Cup when he and Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who are both of Turkish descent, were pictured alongside Turkey's controversial president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

And after the 2014 winners crashed out in the group stage at this year's tournament, Ozil announced his retirement and hit out at the 'racism and disrespect' he felt he had faced.

Asked about his feelings on the national team during the Q+A, he said: 'I've always been supporting the DFB Team since my childhood and I've still many friends playing for the German National Team. Of course I'm still supporting the team!'

Ozil also praised the support former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger gave to him during their time together at the club too, adding: 'He always protected and supported me the best way he could.

'I'm very thankful he was my coach. Would love to see him as a club manager again.'

A key figure in Arsenal's excellent early-season form, Ozil was handed the armband on Monday night for the win over Leicester.

He repaid manager Emery's faith by scoring one goal and assisting another as the Gunners came from behind to win 3-1.

Arsenal and Ozil face Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday evening before making the short trip to play London rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday.