Demiane Agustien has been selected for the Netherlands U-19 squad, and the Arsenal youth star has been speaking about training with Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The 18-year-old talent joined Arsenal over the summer after making the switch from Derby County, and the midfielder has been given the chance to train with the first team.
Agustien, who is a versatile central midfielder, has made 12 appearances for the academy this season, including in the UEFA Youth Champions League.
He is considered to be a huge talent, which is why he is getting chances in first-team training, and the Dutch youth international has spoken highly of one Gunners star in particular.
Demiane Agustien hails Bukayo Saka’s quality
Demiane Agustien has admitted that Bukayo Saka’s quality has ‘really surprised’ him in training, and he also praised Declan Rice.
Saka, who is also a Hale End product, is one of the Premier League’s biggest stars and working with a player like that is a dream for Agustien.
Meanwhile, going up against Rice and trying to beat him in training is another challenge the youngster is relishing.
Agustien told ESPN NL: “You suddenly have to go past Declan Rice, of course. And that’s not something everyone can do, you know.
“But yeah, everyone’s got real quality; everyone’s genuinely good, and I think Saka really surprised me, actually.
“A few players, everyone’s just top level. You can see it too: everyone wants to win. It’s a good culture to have. Really nice.”
Demiane Agustien on being kicked by Declan Rice
Agustien also joked about nutmegging Rice in training, and the young midfielder admits he quickly learned his lesson after attempting it once.
He was asked: “Rice, have you already nutmegged him? Or do you not dare?” to which Agustien replied: “No, I don’t dare, no way. I did it once and got kicked in the shin straight away. So yeah, learned my lesson quick, yeah.”
| Comp | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| UEFA Youth League | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Trophy | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 12 | 0 | 0 |
Right now, the teenager is still finding his feet in North London and settling into U-21 football with the Gunners.
He appears some way off actually making Mikel Arteta’s first team squad, but his talent is certainly there for all to see in the academy.
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