Young Guns – Arsenal Reserves & Youth News

Technically gifted central midfielder Oğuzhan Özyakup joined Arsenal from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in April 2008 for a fix-figure-sum.

Dutch born but of Turkish descent, Oğuzhan is a creative and highly technical central midfielder who can also play on the wings. Blessed with a superb passing range and ability to crop up in the right place to score goals, his talents add up to a lethal combination for opposition.

After coming through the Youth ranks at local club AZ Alkmaar, he was quickly promoted to the club’s Reserves side aged just 15. During this time coach Louis van Gaal became a huge admirer of the wonder kid, and invited Özyakup to train with the first team on various occasions.

Soon International honors beckoned, scoring on his Under 15’s debut against Ireland. He surprised many by featuring in the Dutch 17s squad recently, despite being only 15, meaning he had been promoted a year early. Many AZ fans have made comparisons to Cesc Fabregas and Zinedine Zidane – Arsenal fans will hope he can live up to that potential.

However, in late 2007 it emerged Oğuzhan had turned down a scholarship contract, and was made aware sides such as FC Barcelona, Ajax and Inter Milan were keen to tempt him away. Arsenal stepped up their scouting of him, and in late April faxed a offer described as “lucrative”, and a deal was quickly agreed.

Oğuzhan made his debut during the Zinédine Zidane Tournament in Cannes and despite only playing a handful of games for the club, he had his first trophy. He went straight into the Under 16 squad and made his debut during a 2-2 with Everton in August 2008. Just a month later he had his first goal, a cool finish at Coventry.

Under 18 football soon called and the talented pass-master took to the League like a fish to water. He established himself as a key player in the side yet couldn’t force his way into the F.A Youth Cup winning XI. Özyakup completed the Academy campaign with 4 goals and numerous assists.

For Holland he is the Under 17 skipper and led his side to the final of the European Championships in June 2009. He scored on the way to the final but his Dutch side were well beaten by Germany. However, a month later, he signed scholarship forms with the club.

Name: Oğuzhan Özyakup
Nickname: ‘Ozzy’
Age: 17
Nationality: Dutch (Turkish Descent)
International: Under 17)
Position: Right Midfield/Centre Midfield
Height: 178cm
Previous Clubs: AZ Alkmaar
Contract : Scholarship