Arsene Wenger has likened his young charges to those contestants that subject themselves to the talent show X-Factor, after confessing to being a fan of Simon Cowell.
On the surface there may appear to be few parallels between the modest and studious Wenger and the more abrasive Cowell but Arsenal's French tactician believes otherwise.
Wenger is of the opinion that both are willing to offer previously unearthed talent the chance to shine on the biggest stage, with his band of starlets having stolen the plaudits this season in reaching the Carling Cup final.
"You have singers going on X-Factor, where talents are discovered which nobody knew about," said Wenger.
"I like it because it shows people who are brave enough to come out and who want to achieve something in their lives. They have a target.
"People who turn up and are ready to fight for something, like our young players, I like.
"Ours is the X-Factor Academy!"
The manner in which Arsenal have played with such abandon and attacking verve has delighted Wenger and he is confident that they will not let themselves down in Sunday's showpiece against Chelsea.
"Hopefully, we will play with complete freedom as well as we can," he added. "Then it will be very difficult for them.
"We battled very hard to be in this final and it would be reward for this team, which has come up to every challenge.