To Turn Pro This Week : Arsenal's Azeez Names Saka, Barca & Real Madrid Legends As Role Models

Arsenal's rising star Miguel Azeez has named exciting winger Bukayo Saka as his role model despite the fact the winger is a year older.

An England youth international of Nigeria descent, Azeez has agreed a three-year professional contract with Arsenal and only an official announcement is left before this deal is confirmed as from Friday, September 20.

Speaking to Arsenal's matchday programme last month, Azeez said : ''There are so many role models and inspirations at the club.

''He may only be a year older than me, but Bukayo Saka is one of them because I'm almost doing what he was doing at this age, so it's exciting to think about what could possibly be next''.

The 16-year-old has admitted his admiration for Barcelona and Real Madrid legends, including Ronaldino and Ronaldo, and reserved special praise for 2010 World Cup winner Sergio Busquets.

''Outside of Arsenal, I've always looked up to players like Ronaldinho, Zidane for obvious reasons, but I admire players like Cristiano Ronaldo for their work rate.

''I love Busquets at Barcelona too - he's a world-class player. He's not the strongest, quickest or most skillful, but his brain makes him a step ahead of every player that's coming towards him.

''I've always tried to pick up little things from watching players like these, but generally speaking, I just need to make sure I impress in training every day, whether I'm playing with the U18s , U23s or first team''.

Azeez made his debut for Arsenal U18s while still a schoolboy and has played competitively for Arsenal U23s in the new season.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com