The FA Youth Cup final is one of the most prestigious games in academy football.Some of the current crop of the Premier League’s biggest stars — from Cole Palmer, Reece James and Marc Guehi to Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Rogers — have showcased their skills in the final. Retreat back and Manchester United’s celebrated class of 1992 won the competition. That group, which included Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and the Neville brothers in its number, went on to form the spine of a team that dominated English football. Not every player who appears on this stage will scale such heights, but the competition is still a fantastic platform for young players to demonstrate their talents.This year’s final pitted Manchester City against Manchester United and was played at the former’s Joie Stadium in front of an illustrious audience that included Pep Guardiola and Michael Carrick, the respective clubs’ first-team managers, as well as senior players.City emerged victorious thanks to Reigan Heskey’s late winner, but it was City’s other wide man that caught The Athletic’s eye.Player: Ryan McAidooClub: Manchester CityDate of birth: June 24, 2008 (17)Position: WingerRyan McAidoo on the ball against Salford City in the fourth round of the FA Cup this season (Carl Recine/Getty Images)The back storyBorn in Harlow, Essex, McAidoo was initially part of the academy setup at Colchester United, only to join Chelsea in 2019. His displays there caught of the eye of the national selectors and he went on to represent England Under-16s on the back of fine club form.