Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has revealed that Hector Bellerin’s breakthrough last season did not come as a surprise for him. He has always believed that the Spanish right back had the qualities and ambitions to become an important player for the Gunners.
The 20-year-old had a dreamlike season last term, proving himself as a big player who can help the team on both defensive and offensive ends. His pace is a major asset to the team, and he’s netted important goals in front of teams of high caliber, such as Liverpool.
In a conversation with Arsenal Player however, Wenger has admitted that he never could have guaranteed Bellerin securing his place in the starting positions and he’s more than happy to have been proven wrong.
“His progress has been huge because if you had asked me that question last year, exactly on the same day, I would not have guaranteed you that Bellerin would be a regular player in the club by the end of the season but he managed to do it.”
The boss said that he met the player at a very young age and noticed that he was ahead of his age, despite only being a boy.
“He’s a very serious, mature boy. I met him when he was 15… and I could see straight away that there was something special on the hunger side, on the desire and maturity side. He was a very mature boy very early.”
Wenger expects an even better season for the Spaniard, who will be fighting for his first-team spot against fit-again Mathieu Debuchy.
“I expect him to continue to develop [in the new season],” added Wenger. “I expect him to confirm all the good aspects of his game that he has shown, and to accept that he has a tough challenge with Mathieu Debuchy.”
The manager went on to compliment Debuchy and noted that Bellerin needs to buckle down in every training session and take any opportunity of getting ahead of the French national.
“Mathieu is a guy who has always shown unbelievable mental strength and has top quality. He’s a regular player in the French national team so Hector cannot rest. He has a big battle to face.”
The interview ended with Wenger explaining how he’ll be using Calum Chambers, and this comes as a relief for Bellerin, as Wenger admitted he is more interested in using Chambers in central defending positions.
“I will use Calum Chambers more as a central defender but he can also help out at right back as well.”
