Real Madrid legend Mesut Ozil has bizarre pick when asked about GOAT debate 

Real Madrid legend Mesut Ozil surprisingly picked Turkish starlet Arda Guler, over Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, as the best player.

Real Madrid legend Mesut Ozil has bizarre pick when asked about GOAT debate 

Mesut Ozil picked Turkish starlet Arda Guler, over legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. (via CNN)

Former Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil made a surprising pick, when asked to settle the greatest player of all time debate, between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former German midfielder bizarrely named a 19-year-old Turkish starlet, over the two stars.

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football for the past two decades, and are now nearing the twilight of their respective careers. The two stars shared 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them, spawning a debate on who will bow down as the greatest player of all time. Mesut Ozil was also asked to weigh into the debate at an event in Azerbaijan. Ozil had previously expressed his admiration for the Portuguese star whom he played alongside at Real Madrid for three years. However, his latest response surprised many. 

YouTube video

The ex-Arsenal star wittily named Real Madrid wonder-kid, Arda Guler, as the crowd laughed at his response. Ozil had played alongside Guler at Fenerbahce, before the 19-year-old midfielder departed to join Real Madrid. Many pundits have tipped the Turkish star to be a successor to Ozil, who played 159 matches in Spain, scoring 27 goals and providing 81 assists. However, the Turkish starlet may have to struggle to make his way into the Real starting XI, having managed just three starts this season.

FS Video

[Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo? Arda Guler!

Mesut Ozil to reporters (H/T” Goal)

Despite the challenges, Real Madrid remain confident of Guler’s potential and hope to hand him a more prominent role at the club. Meanwhile, Ozil has also backed the midfielder to rise, after playing an important role for Turkey at the 2024 Euros. 

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Arsenal willing to spend £125 million on Bundesliga star dubbed the ‘next Mesut Ozil’ 

The Gunners are reportedly willing to break the bank to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz for an EPL record fee of £125 million. The 21-year-old midfielder, who is shining for both club and country, has been dubbed by fans as the ‘next Mesut Ozil’. 

Mesut Ozil Florian Wirtz
Arsenal was willing to sign Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, dubbed the ‘next Mesut Ozil’. (via GOAL)

Having scored 18 goals and provided 19 assists for Leverkusen during their title-winning season, Wirtz has now emerged as a major transfer target for several clubs around Europe. Arsenal are reportedly looking to win the race to sign Wirtz. He would be a long-term successor to former Gunners’ star Mesut Ozil, who played more than 250 matches. 

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The Leverkusen star and Ozil have a similar play-style, and could operate in a similar role under manager Mikel Arteta. Arsenal face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to sign the midfielder.