While the Arsenal first team have been in Premier League action over the past few weeks, the academy teams have been continuing to learn and grow in the hopes of reaching the top one day.
The Hale End ranks have often seen some bright stars make their way through to senior football, with Mikel Arteta bringing plenty of those players through.
Bukayo Saka is one example of an academy graduate who has gone on to shine, while Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe have had their chances at the Emirates Stadium.
For the next generation, there is a guiding light in those four in particular to replicate their success in the Premier League.
It takes plenty of hard work, which will largely come through coaching and academy games, though there is a rare opportunity to play men’s football.
The EFL Trophy – currently known as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy – pits Premier League academy teams against those from League One and League Two.
This season, Arsenal’s under-21s take on Leyton Orient, MK Dons and Colchester United in a group full of experienced professionals.
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Arsenal starlets Michal Rosiak and Maldini Kacurri impress against Leyton Orient
With that rare opportunity to test themselves against senior players, Arsenal’s under-21s took on Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy.
The young Gunners took the lead against the League One outfit with an effort from Josh Robinson, lobbing the goalkeeper from range.
The home side equalised through Dan Happe’s finish, but it was Ismeal Kabia who took advantage of a mistake to give Arsenal all three points in their group.
It’s often a tough matchup for the youngsters, playing against players with the physical and mental ability from the senior game.
But for under-21s manager Mehmet Ali, two stars in particular stood out in the encounter.
He told the official Arsenal website: “It’s brilliant for the boys to get the win, the way we defended and how together we were, I thought the boys were outstanding without the ball to prevent Leyton Orient scoring or really having a lot of chances.
“Having said that, we have to be better with the ball because when you play against a team like Leyton Orient and playing against men, you have to look after the ball a lot better than what we showed, especially spells in the second half when they were coming and coming and trying to get a goal.
On the defensive performance, the coach added: “I can’t fault the lads’ effort, bravery and desire to block.
“Special mention to Michal Rosiak and Maldini Kacurri. I thought some of their blocks and tackles with Jimi Gower picking up second balls was excellent.”
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Michal Rosiak and Maldini Kacurri potential
Arsenal are always looking for chances to bring through the next big talent – with Ethan Nwaneri primed to be among those after some first-team involvement.
For Rosiak and Kacurri, the future is bright as the duo look to make their way through the youth ranks at the club.
Both youngsters are just 18 years old, which means they still have plenty more time to develop at the academy.
That’s without adding the fact that they play in more traditionally defensive roles, which have often been harder to break through in.
With the experience needed to deal with attacking situations, the pair may need some more time to hit that potential.
However, more senior games against MK Dons and Colchester in the competition offers a chance to test out their ability.
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