Netherlands-born, Oguzhan Ozyakup started his youth career at AZ Alkmaar. On his arrival at the Emirates in 2008 he was highly rated and seen as a good young prospect for the future. While he may not quite have made the grade in North London, he has gone on to forge a good career for himself and has confirmed his rich potential.
A technically gifted player, who can operate as a deep or offensive central midfielder, Ozyakup joined the Gunners and instantly became an integral part of the Arsenal youth side. In his first full season the Gunners won both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League, with Ozyakup’s devastating attacking play being crucial to the way Arsenal went about their business. His goals and assists proved vital, and a goal against Man.United in the league play-off semi-final sealed Arsenal’s passage through to the final.
Soon after his displays for the reserve and youth sides, Ozyakup was getting closer to the first-team and eventually made his debut in late September 2011 against Shrewsbury in the League Cup. With Arsenal already winning he came on after 77 minutes and within seconds of his arrival assisted Yossi Benayoun. Further first-team game time was hard to come by, although he was often in and around the match day squads and featured quite often throughout the 11/12 season as an unused substitute.
In June 2012 Ozyakup made the move to Turkey to play for Bestikas. Although participating for the Dutch at under-19 level, Turkey was the place that his parents were born in, and a move there made sense. He joined the Istanbul-based side for a six figure sum, and has cemented his place in the side through some intelligent attacking displays. Last season he noticed up 29 appearances in all competitions, finding the net on 7 occasions.
Since his move to Turkey, Ozyakup has also experienced game time at international level. With his parents being Turkish and him playing for a Turkish-based side, it seemed natural to Adopt Turkey as his first-choice playing nation. After appearing for the Turkish under 21.s six times, scoring three goals, Ozyakup was called up to the first-team in the middle of 2013, making his debut against Latvia. Since this game he has gone on to make six more caps and at 21 is slowly integrating himself into their side.
After leaving Arsenal, Oguzhan Ozyakup has fashioned a good career for himself and should go on to have further success. It seems as though his bringing up as a young talent at London Colney, has and will stand him in good stead for the future.