Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would have watched eagerly from the wings after the Gunners' U18 squad clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cambridge United U18s in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals last night, with several performances from the young stars enriching the calibre of the distinguished Hale End academy.

Just as the feats on the pitch that the senior set-up is plying continue to fly high - Arsenal are top of the Premier League table after 23 matches, two points ahead of Manchester City, and with a game in hand - the youth ranks stake the claim that they deserve an opportunity to impress in Arteta's system over the coming years.

One player in particular who stood out is robust right-back Michal Rosiak, who resoundingly scored the winning goal to ensure the squad advanced from the penultimate stage of the competition, now within touching distance of basking in the glory of silverware.

Arsenal's right-back position is firmly and solidly occupied at present, with Ben White the first-choice option and Takehiro Tomiyasu deputising assuredly when need be, but given that the 17-year-old Rosiak may still be several years away from reaching the requisite level to play in the Gunners squad with regularity, he may yet find a place on the grass in front of the roaring Emirates faithful.

Who is Michal Rosiak?

Arteta's reign as the manager of this exuberant and thriving Arsenal team could not have come at a better time for the likes of Rosiak, who will be steadfast in his belief that further emphatic outings will edge him ever closer to a coveted professional debut under the Spaniard.

Despite chasing glory in the Premier League, the north London outfit yields the youngest starting XI of any team in the division, which is a testament to both Arteta's faith in youth and the quality that Hale End boasts.

Considering the brilliant job that White has forged in north London since his £50m move from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021, it is unlikely that Rosiak will find himself earning a consistent berth in the side any time soon, especially given defensive frailties that need to be ironed out from his game.

However, once this crisp and clean new skill set reaches its zenith, Rosiak will be able to harness his gleaming attributes and play a definitive role for his side, especially given his performance last night.

Scoring a late volley to win the affair, the Polish prodigy was praised by reporter Theo Mwangi for his "very good" performance and was bestowed a 7/10 match rating by football.london for his labours.

And having scored four goals and supplied three assists from just nine outings this season, his dynamic and forward-thinking capabilities could indeed leave an arresting impression upon Arteta and co, should he maintain and build upon a solid foundation.

Rosiak is a glinted, if unrefined, gem, but still yet to enter adulthood, there is ample time to nurture his talents and usher him towards prominence slowly but surely.

And while White looks set to continue to offer a dynamic dimension to the defensive right flank, Rosiak will hope to continue to dazzle over the coming seasons and serve as the perfect understudy to his established positional peer, finally breaking through and taking to the major stage.