Arsenal prospect Oguzhan Ozyakup admits skipper Robin van Persie has been a big influence so far in his fledgling career.

Van Persie has taken the young midfielder under his wing and Ozyakup says his compatriot is a real 'father figure' to him in the current Arsenal squad.

"To be honest it is mostly Robin [who I look up to] because he is Dutch and he really looks after me outside of football as well," Ozyakup told Arsenal.com.

"There are more off-field things as well and I am really, really happy he looks after me like this. I never expected him to help me that much but I am really thankful that he does that for me.

"Obviously on his Twitter feed he says little things like congratulations - it is those little things he does that are perfect and what I look up to.

"The Manchester United game when I was on the bench he said, 'when you come on I know you can do anything with the ball but without it make sure the tackles are for you'," recalled Ozyakup. "He gives you little tactics and it is unbelievable."