Mesut Ozil has kick about with Pug Balboa after Germany’s successful start to their World Cup qualifying campaign

MESUT OZIL has been sharpening his skills during the international break – with the help of a fury friend.

The Arsenal star posted a video on his Instagram of him playing football with his dog Balboa.

And Ozil was impressed with his four-legged mate's skills with the ball at his feet.

Ozil posted: "Fun with Balboa. Turns out that my #dog has a pretty good technique! #London #NewStar#football."

German international Ozil's dog is a Pug – leading us to wonder why he did not name it Paul Pugba.

Ozil revealed last year how Balboa helped cure his fear of dogs.

He said: "I have one dog, his name is Balboa.

"But I was frightened of dogs as a kid! I wanted to overcome my fear, so I decided the best way to do this would be to own a dog.

"I got it as a puppy, raised it and have overcome my fear. Now, I love dogs."

Ozil helped Germany begin their ruthless defence of their 2014 World Cup title with a 3-0 win against Norway on Sunday.