Spotlight on Leeds United midfielder Robbie Gotts after long-awaited debut at Arsenal

Leeds United academy product Robbie Gotts was thrust into his first senior action on Monday evening in the FA Cup against Arsenal.

The 20-year-old has been forced to bide his time at Thorp Arch having been named on the Whites bench a massive 35 times in all competitions without playing a single minute since Marcelo Bielsa's arrival at the club over 18 months ago.

At the 36th time of asking, though, Gotts was handed his chance under the Emirates spotlight and became the 13th academy graduate to make his debut under the Argentine.

Among the world class talent of Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Arsenal club record signing Nicolas Pepe, United's Under-23s skipper held his own for much of the opening half.

Gotts' first action of the evening was to release striker Patrick Bamford in behind Mikel Arteta's backline with a well crafted ball before a short while later leaving Matteo Guendouzi in a heap on the floor with a perfectly-timed challenge.

Bielsa's right-back turned attacking midfielder drove Leeds on alongside a confident Mateusz Klich as he linked up well with winger Gjanni Alioski before aiding Kalvin Phillips in the middle of the park.

United's head coach described it in the pre-match build-up as the "best moment" for his long-awaited debut and Bielsa's belief appeared to be proven right in the capital.

Gotts has an eye for goal, too. And enjoyed arguably United's best chance of the opening half as he darted past his marker to the near post to scoop a shot over Emi Martinez's bar.

It was to be a minor hiccup on a night those involved in his development will have been rightly proud of his efforts before his substitution on the hour mark.

Similarities have been drawn with fellow midfielder Jamie Shackleton over Gotts' ability and while the two could be mistaken off the pitch the pair are very much players in their own right on it.

Pace, skill and an ability to drive forward and track back with a low sense of gravity were all on display with a lack of composure forgivable on a night that had been long in the making.

The stats said as much; 30 touches, 23 passes, five ball recoveries, one chance created and one tackle won.

"It's something you dream of as a kid to make your debut at a stadium like this," Gotts said beforehand. And he didn't look out of place at the full-time whistle.

Bielsa was gushing in his praise for a performance beyond his years against the Gunners afterwards, and as he left the pitch to a standing ovation it's hard to see Gotts having to wait another 35 matchdays for a second opportunity.