Arhip will need to continue putting in big performances if the Ospreys are to climb even higher than fourth - tough trips to Cardiff Blues and Connacht sandwich an eye-opening clash with current table-toppers Glasgow Warriors.
But despite the 26-year-old having only made his first GUINNESS PRO12 start earlier this campaign, Tandy is confident that the best is yet to come from his destructive tighthead, a point proven by Arhip signing a new contract earlier this month.
"Considering it has been his first year, Dmitri has done well - how many other props get to play more than 20-odd games in their debut season?" the Ospreys boss told the South Wales Evening Post.
"He is picking up experience with every game and his work around the field has been outstanding.
"The way he is going we are going to have a really good prop on our hands in the seasons ahead.
"I felt a bit sorry for him at some points in the campaign when he was going 80 minutes after 80 minutes.
"It is his first year of senior rugby, so that is a big ask.
"There was a period where we played Ulster, Racing Metro back-to-back and then Scarlets back-to-back, and we were asking the same people to go to the well.
"We picked up the brunt of our injuries - but I think the squad has grown through that."
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