Oğuzhan gunning for Netherlands glory
Friday 9 May 2008
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Oğuzhan Özyakup is in his parents' Turkish homeland to represent the Netherlands (©Yakir Mizrahi)
The son of Turkish parents, Oğuzhan Özyakup is delighted to be taking part in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Antalya. Thing is, the Arsenal FC target is representing the Netherlands.
Promotion
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Oğuzhan, at 15 one of the youngest players in the finals, was born in the Netherlands to immigrants from Trabzon and has been promoted by coach Albert Stuivenberg from the U16 squad. Having previously played a friendly against Turkey in Fethiye last year, he came off the bench in their opening 3-0 loss to the hosts. "I heard from the stands people saying: 'Oh, he is Turkish,'" Oğuzhan told uefa.com. "But I am playing for the Netherlands team right now. My parents say: 'Go and perform as Oğuzhan, whoever the opponents.'"
Heroes
An admirer of Zinédine Zidane and Juan Román Riquelme, Oğuzhan sees himself in the same mould but knows he has much to learn to emulate his heroes. "I want to play behind the forwards as an attacking midfielder," he said. "Sometimes I cannot believe the things they are able to do."
Arsenal move
Still, his abilities have brought him to the verge of agreeing a move to Arsenal when he turns 16 in September. "Liam Brady, the head of youth development, watched me and communicated with my agent," Oğuzhan said. "But the transfer is still uncertain. I hope it will be certain in a few weeks."
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