Özyakup Makes Debut As Arsenal Draw With Everton
Holland Under 17 International Oğuzhan Özyakup made his Arsenal debut yesterday afternoon as Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s began their season with a 2-2 draw against Everton.
The classy play-maker took up a central midfield role alongside Samir Carrurthers, with the pair hoping to form a strong partnership during the coming months. Gatting was missing his captain in Conor Henderson – he was rested after being on international duty with Ireland.
Rorie Deacon, Sam Byles and James Shea have all been promoted to the Under 18’s and all featured for Bould’s side yesterday, meaning it handed an opportunity for some new faces to be granted a start.
Everton had 16-year-old José Baxter and 17-year-old Jack Rodwell making Premiership appearances yesterday, summing up the strength and belief in the Merseysiders development programme.
Benik Afobe and the aforementioned Samir Carrurthers notched the vital strikes to share the spoils, but there was a general feeling that the Gunners didn’t play to their maximum potential.
As the Under 16’s do not have a recognised league no points are won or lost, but none the less Steve Gatting’s side offer an important platform for these youngsters to hone their trade on the path to earning a scholarship contract.
Article By – J.Sanderson – With Thanks To Ian.
you’re doing a great job J but an assessment of how some or all of the players played would be most useful…Ideally player ratings would be great but if not maybe some of the players that stood out, how they played and/or what type of players they are?
Keep up the great work as always J
v_f said this on August 24, 2008 at 5:13 pm
J do you foresee Afobe and Ozyakup getting alot of U18′S/Reserves football this season, Taking into account the squad depth and all? Quality site by the way!
cesc84 said this on August 24, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Jamie have you heard anything about Samir Curruthers being selected for the England U16’s team for the Schoolboy Victory Sheild Tournament in a couple of weeks time
Kent paul said this on August 24, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Is this the age group that has the players Arsene said he had nothing to teach technically?If so who are they?
Lloyd the Gooner said this on August 24, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I believe the 2 players Arsene was talking about were Jack Wilshiere and Frimpong
Alex said this on August 24, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I thought Chuks Anike and smoone called Morgan
Lloyd the Gooner said this on August 24, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Yep, it’s because the Reserves season is not under way yet that some of these players will feature with the Under 18’s.
Expect them to push on this season no doubt.
J.Sanderson said this on August 24, 2008 at 6:06 pm
hard to tell how good the players actually are. J has been saying that Barazite is a very good player. he featured in few pre-season games, i do not think Barazite is ready for first team yet.
FCdeMatthew said this on August 24, 2008 at 6:42 pm
great anyone who has seen this game and can tell me how samir and ozzy played?!!
Mouhsin said this on August 24, 2008 at 7:36 pm
The players were apparently Zak Ansah and Anton Morgan, but nobody really knows, only Wenger.
J.Sanderson said this on August 24, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I heard , cesc fabgregas has been training with the young pros , bout time cesc and fran work there magic together
Frank Butcher said this on August 24, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Yep only because the first team were away at Fulham, nothing really in the news, it’s quite common.
J.Sanderson said this on August 24, 2008 at 10:53 pm
So is the situation something like this? The reserves having started playing yet so most of the reserves players are playing for the U-18. That means that many of the U-18 players have to play for the U-16 instead.
I thought that Ozyakup was only playing for the U-18 and getting some reserves matches. I can´t wait to hear more about him and our other new signings, including Miguel and Coquelin.
Stone said this on August 24, 2008 at 11:05 pm
It’s a little like that mate.
Murphy, Watt and Bartley will be on Reserves duty for sure, so those places need to filled, so everybody gets a promotion.
Ozyakup will step up for sure this season, it’s just blooding him in.
J.Sanderson said this on August 24, 2008 at 11:23 pm
ahmed abdulla played against manchester united , and is there a new format to the youth league
Frank Butcher said this on August 25, 2008 at 1:47 am
now i wonder, nordtveit, barazite, traore and maybe gibbs, all 18 years old already go out on loan. what happened to merida? is he also will go out on loan or stay to play reserve? also what about randall and landsbury? i heard some championship club interested in them. at this moment i very much doubt they will features in arsenal 1st team. so go out on loan could benefit them.
g0on3r said this on August 25, 2008 at 6:32 am
Alex, Wenger said they were U14, so obviously it can’t the 16 year old Wilshere and Frimpong.
Simmo said this on August 26, 2008 at 9:50 pm