Arsenal youngster Oguzhan Ozyakup (thankfully known as ‘Ozzy’) says he’s not daunted by the competition at Arsenal and that he’s learning a lot from new arrival Yossi Benayoun.
The young Dutchling, who plays primarily in central midfield, has made two substitute appearances in the Carling Cup this season and he’s determined to make it despite the number of players currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
Speaking to this month’s edition of the Arsenal Magazine, Ozzy said, “What is clear at Arsenal is that young players have the opportunity to play and develop, if they are good enough.
“I know that some people may have the attitude that there’s too much competition at Arsenal, it will be better to play elswhere. I say, I want to be the best I can be and I am the only club where I believe that can happen. I really have a passion for Arsenal. I love this club and this is where I want to be.
“I know it will be tough but anything worth fighting for is.”
Ozzy cites Cesc Fabregas as an influence on the way he plays and looks to Mikel Arteta as someone he can learn from in training. But he suggests that on-loan Yossi Benayoun is the player he most likens himself to.
“I try to learn from everyone”, he said, “but I must say the the player I now learn a lot from is Yossi Benayoun. He is so intelligent as player, he works so hard. He is clever in attack and defence, he seems to be in the right position to break up the opposition moves and reads the game so well.
“He is also the nicest person. He has so much time for all the younger players and whenever he plays he gives everything, whether is it is in the reserves, the Carling Cup or the first team.”
The road to the Arsenal first team is long and difficult for any young player, but with that kind of attitude Ozyakup might well be causing commentators nightmares sooner rather than later.
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Read the full interview with Oguzhan Ozyakup in the Arsenal Magazine.
I seriously love the impact Yossi’s had on the young guns. Everyone seems to be happy with his presence in the dressing room.
This is true. I’ve only heard really good thins about him. When I first heard we were taking on a loan player from Chelsea I was a little upset but it seems he’s bringing something really invaluable to our team with his experience. Good signing I think even though it’s just a loan.
Agreed Yossi was a great loan, I personally would have him in front of Arshavin in the pecking order.
Ozzy ozzy ozzyozzy ozzy !!!
YA KUP KUP
An thus his song is born.
I for one would like to see him stay.
Works harder than Arshavin, seems to have a better attitude, is more of a role model to youngsters and imho makes more of an impact when played
Wenger sign him up, Wenger Wenger sign him up
I concur.
Benayoun is defo ahead of Arshavin in the pecking order.
The only reason Wenger and fans alike have persisted with Arsh’s ineptitude is due to his past performances and status in the game.
He played marginally better on saturday but thats not saying a lot.
Arshavin is a monkey tail, does not offer anything other than big reputation on the pitch,have some banana little russian
Erm…
What a bizarre comment
Monkey…. tail…? banana…..?
im sorry………. but wtf does that even mean…… i for one don’t mind having Arshavin in the team at all. He is just not being played in the right position. I’d prefer to play him as a striker over chamakh or park to be honest. He played as a striker for almost 2 months back a couple seasons ago when we had a striker injury crisis and he played his best football for the arse to date.
nice words about Yossi, im sure we will see yossi tomorrow night provide determination and will that will assist the younger lads in beating citeh
I am so glad that the dressing room atmosphere has changed. The new signings have added unity, hope and maturity while letting go of those that so obviously wanted to leave has effectively stopped the rot.
Now everyone is pulling in the same direction and it’s refreshing to have a team full of Gunners that truly want to be at Arsenal.
Since his West Ham days I’ve always admired him. Great to know we all think he is closer to the first team that Arshavin and other fringe stars by his all-action and intelligent showings anytime he comes on. Its high time he starts rubbing off on the team in matches. Great to have a competent back-up that refuses to moan despite not having as much chance as we all think he deserve. Hope he proves himself as the season progresses and warrants Les Boss bringing out that famous, now-browning chequebook of his.
I think that BOTH Arshavin & benayoun will start tomorrow night,..
Good lad Ozzy. Benayoun is a class act, has been at every club he’s been at and I think he’s massively underrated.
I’d really like to see him and ozzy start tomorrow night.
Not to mention he has never been hated much by any clubs.
Think about.
Liverpool to Chelsea
Chelsea to Arsenal
Transfer dealings between Chelsea and Arsenal have usually been omens, such as Gallas or Diarra.
And yes regardless of his age I’d like to see us sign him on a permanent basis.
[…] team. Guys like Yossi Benayoun who the manager says is unlucky not to have played more but whose influence around the place seems more positive the more you read about him. Andrei Arshavin says that his performance on […]
The Jew and the Muslim coming together. Football is beautiful
hahaha nice take
Does Ozzy eat bats?
He sounded as if he had the Arsenal “DNA” in him. A true Gunner by all means though
Does anyone watch Malcolm In The Middle? Ozzy looks like Reese and Dewey combined.
[…] could probably do with the match for fitness purposes, while youngsters such as Nico Yennaris, Oguzhan Ozyakup and Miquel will be bolstered by experienced heads like Rosicky, Benayoun, Arshavin, Squillaci and […]